General Manager

About the Role

The General Manager position at Cowan Manufacturing in Beresfield, New South Wales, involves leading the overall operational performance to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production and commercial results. The role requires visible leadership to foster growth, operational excellence, and a culture centered on safety and continuous improvement. Security checks are mandatory for this position.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee manufacturing operations to meet production goals with a focus on safety, efficiency, and quality standards.
• Drive business growth by identifying and pursuing new opportunities that enhance revenue and profitability.
• Promote and maintain a robust safety culture, ensuring full compliance with Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations and proactive risk management.
• Formulate and implement business strategies aligned with organizational objectives that deliver measurable outcomes.
• Lead and motivate a high-performing team to encourage accountability, collaboration, and ongoing improvement.
• Manage financial performance, including budgeting and cost management, to achieve business targets and maximize value.
• Boost productivity and operational effectiveness through innovation and process improvements.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with customers, partners, and stakeholders to support growth and customer satisfaction.

Candidate Profile

• Possess a tertiary qualification in Project Management, Business Management, or comparable industry experience.
• Have thorough knowledge of fabrication and manufacturing processes such as welding, machining, assembly, production planning, and process optimization.
• Demonstrate a successful track record of enhancing production performance, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement in manufacturing environments.
• Exhibit solid commercial skills pertaining to contract handling, cost estimation, project execution, and profitability management.
• Showcase strong financial management abilities including budgeting, cost control, and capital expenditure oversight.
• Understand quality assurance practices, compliance standards, and manufacturing benchmarks.
• Exemplify leadership in safety, fostering a culture of proactive safety management.
• Have excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills with capability to build motivated teams and engage stakeholders effectively at all levels.
• A background in trade or engineering related to fabrication, along with Lean Six Sigma certification or experience, is desirable.
• Must hold valid Australian work rights.
• Employment is conditional on successful completion of health screening including drug and alcohol tests.
• Veterans are highly encouraged to apply.

Additional Information

• This role includes flexible work options such as a condensed workweek with half-day Fridays.
• Employee wellbeing programs are offered, including assistance services for employees and immediate family.
• Paid community service leave is available to support local involvement or defense reservist duties.
• Perks include weekly fruit baskets, free on-site parking, and novated car leasing.
• A paid parental leave scheme is offered.
• James Fisher operates globally in Energy, Defence, and Maritime sectors, with a focus on innovative solutions and sustainability within the Blue Economy.
• The company encourages diversity, is Disability Confident, and values workforce talent and inclusion.