Manufacturing Operations Manager

Lead the Transformation of a Bespoke Manufacturing Business At Soteria Doors, we don't manufacture thousands of identical products every day. We design and manufacture bespoke fire doorsets for some of New Zealand's most demanding commercial construction projects. We're a high‑mix, low to mid‑volume, made‑to‑order manufacturer, where every project presents different challenges. Success comes from exceptional planning, strong leadership, Lean Manufacturing and a relentless focus on continuous improvement. We're looking for an experienced Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead our manufacturing operation through its next stage of growth. If your experience is primarily in repetitive or high‑volume manufacturing, this role is unlikely to be the right fit. About the Role Reporting directly to the General Manager, you'll be responsible for leading our manufacturing operation and building a culture of operational excellence. You'll drive Lean Manufacturing, improve productivity, develop people and ensure our customers receive quality products, delivered on time. This is a genuine leadership role. You'll spend as much time on the factory floor coaching your team and solving problems as you do planning improvements and analysing performance. If you prefer managing from behind a desk, this probably isn't the position for you. What you’ll be responsible for Leading all day‑to‑day manufacturing operations. Building and developing a high‑performing manufacturing team. Championing Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement. Production planning and scheduling. Improving productivity, workflow and manufacturing efficiency. Managing manufacturing inventory and material availability. Leading Health & Safety throughout the operation. Developing and improving standard operating procedures. Monitoring operational performance and manufacturing KPIs. Managing manufacturing costs and identifying improvement opportunities. Supporting the continual improvement of our Quality Management System. About You We're looking for someone who has done it before, not someone who wants to learn on the job. Essential Minimum two years' experience leading a manufacturing operation. Proven success implementing Lean Manufacturing and delivering measurable operational improvements. Experience working in a bespoke, custom or engineered‑to‑order manufacturing environment. Strong production planning and scheduling capability. Outstanding leadership and people development skills. Commercially minded with excellent problem‑solving ability. Experience using ERP/MRP systems. A hands‑on leadership style. You currently reside in New Zealand and have the permanent legal right to work here. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. Desirable Experience with ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems. Experience within timber, joinery, fire doors or construction product manufacturing. Manufacturing, engineering or operations management qualifications. This Role Is NOT For You If… Your experience is primarily in repetitive or mass‑production manufacturing. You have completed Lean training but have never successfully led Lean implementation. You prefer managing from an office rather than leading from the factory floor. You enjoy maintaining the status quo rather than driving continuous improvement. You are currently living outside New Zealand or require visa sponsorship. Why Join Soteria Doors? You'll join an ambitious New Zealand manufacturer with a clear vision for growth. You'll have genuine autonomy to influence the future of our manufacturing operation, develop our people and implement meaningful improvements that make a lasting impact. This is an opportunity to build something—not simply maintain it. If you're passionate about Lean Manufacturing, enjoy solving complex manufacturing challenges and want to lead a team committed to continuous improvement, we'd like to hear from you. #J-18808-Ljbffr