Careers

Head of Manufacturing Operations

• A new leadership role combining operations and strategy | Located in Salisbury
• Access to generous PBI salary packaging and development opportunities
• A business focused on performance and invested in meaningful social impact

Combine your operational expertise with a people focus to lead a team of Site Managers within a leading advanced timber manufacturing business

About Dovetail Advanced Manufacturing

Dovetail Advanced Manufacturing is a Bedford-owned social enterprise set in the timber manufacturing, commercial joinery, and construction industry in South Australia. Our purpose is to provide open employment opportunities for people who have experienced barriers to employment including people with a disability through the delivery of quality timber products. We take pride in our ESG efforts, not only looking to improve the lives of others but also the environment in which we live and work.

In 2025, Dovetail will operate at a purpose-built, state of the art advanced manufacturing hub being built in Salisbury, specialising in timber manufacturing and contract cutting for the construction and home furniture industry.

About the Role

To drive innovation and achieve its growth ambitions, Dovetail requires an experienced and strategic Operations Manager with a strong manufacturing background and people focus. An ability to oversee operations with a continuous improvement lens, while connecting and collaborating with the Sales and New Product Development team are essential to underpin the future success of this developing enterprise and establish it as a true market leader.

This new leadership role will report to the General Manager, Dovetail Advanced Manufacturing and will be based at the Panorama site until it relocates to our new, purpose-built manufacturing hub in Salisbury in mid-2025.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with the GM to develop and execute operational strategies
• Lead and drive a culture of continuous improvement
• Provide leadership, mentoring and development to Operations and Site Managers
• Understand and use operational P&Ls to identify priorities and lead efficiencies
• Oversee daily and strategic operations across all Dovetail sites
• Collaborate with other departments such as Sales and New Product Development
• Monitor and analyse operation metrics including DIFOT, BOM variance %, labour margins, freight margins
• Provide input to assist in the preparation of detailed reporting

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

The successful candidate will be experienced within a similar role, with proven leadership skills. They will hold a relevant qualification and have a strong financial and commercial acumen with a focus on performance optimisation and delivering stakeholder valued outcomes. You will be a good fit for Dovetail’s leadership team if you hold a solid belief in our purpose and mission, and are inspired by innovation, collaboration, and development.

What’s in it for you?

• Reduce the amount of tax you pay each year with access to generous PBI salary packaging that can be used towards paying rent, mortgage, utilities, loan repayments, childcare, novated leases and more
• Learning and development opportunities
• Tool of trade vehicle, laptop, and phone
• A supportive and collaborative team who appreciate creativity and innovation
• The pride and fulfillment that comes from working for an organisation that is invested in social impact and making a difference to people’s lives
• Convenient location with on-site parking
• The opportunity to work in a new, purpose-built manufacturing hub featuring state of the art manufacturing technology

How to Apply

To apply for this role please submit a cover letter and CV online via the appropriate link.

If you have any questions, or would like to enquire about adjustments to the process, please contact Ellisha Tonkin, Talent Attraction Manager on 08 8275 0204, or email etonkin@bedfordgroup.com.au with your query and your preferred method of response.

All enquiries will be treated in strict confidence.

For a copy of the position description or our annual report, please visit our website at bedfordgroup.com.au/

Applications close Friday 7th February 2025.

We reserve the right to close applications prior to this date.

Dovetail Advanced Manufacturing is a social enterprise backed by Bedford where we believe in fostering a diverse, accepting, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from individuals of all genders, as well as from First Nations people and those with disabilities.

If you require any adjustments to support your application or the recruitment process, please don't hesitate to contact Bedford Recruitment on 08 8275 0211 or via email at recruitment@bedfordgroup.com.au. We're committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for all candidates, and we look forward to hearing from you.