Workforce Extensions Ballarat is proud to partner with a well established mechanical workshop in Ballarat to appoint an experienced Operations Manager. This is a rare opportunity to step into a pivotal leadership role in a busy automotive environment, ideal for a trade qualified professional or mechanically minded leader who thrives in admin and systems based work.

About the Role

Reporting to the Director you'll oversee the day to day operations of a multi faceted workshop. You will spend the majority of your time managing scheduling, systems and team performance through admin based tools and software. Your time on the workshop floor will be focused on leadership and coordination, not hands on work. From workflow planning to customer service and team development, you'll ensure the business runs smoothly, safely and profitably.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a high performance safety first culture across all departments
• Mentor team leaders, coordinate training and drive professional development
• Manage workshop scheduling, job allocation and bay utilisation in collaboration with the Leading Hand
• Oversee financial performance including labour recovery, cost control, P&L tracking and forecasting
• Monitor quality control, reduce rework and ensure timely job delivery
• Manage parts stock, ordering and usage efficiency
• Lead HR functions including recruitment, onboarding, compliance, performance reviews and engagement activities
• Ensure full WHS compliance through audits, incident reporting and continuous improvement
• Apply your mechanical understanding to oversee workflows, troubleshoot issues and guide staff while focusing day to day on admin based coordination and performance management
• Must be able to find and implement the 1% improvements daily.
• Must be able to step in and assist in positions when the team is behind or absent, and ensure improvements are made when required tasks get behind.
• Ability to continue to elevate and build each team member.
• Good knowledge of VicRoads and NHVR requirements and/or understanding of policies and procedures.
• Ability to continue improvements to our licensing and contract agreements.

What We Are Looking For

• Trade qualification or strong mechanical background is highly regarded
• Proven leadership experience in workshop or operations management
• Strong commercial and financial acumen including budgets, KPIs and reporting
• Sound knowledge of WHS and HR compliance including industrial awards, training records and licences
• A confident communicator with the ability to build trust across teams
• Results driven and customer focused with a hands on leadership style
• Strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills.
• A commitment to safety and quality standards.

Why Apply

This is more than just an operations role. It is a chance to join a respected local employer with a strong reputation and a tight knit motivated team. You will have autonomy, clear goals and the backing of a Director who values professionalism and initiative.