Operations Manager

About The Role

ARC (The Australian Reinforcing Company) has an outstanding opportunity for an experienced Operations Manager to lead our Newcastle site—home to NSW’s largest manufacturing operation. In this role, you’ll take full ownership of site performance, ensuring production and service targets are consistently achieved while fostering a strong, safety-first culture.

Reporting to the NSW Area Manager, you’ll play a key role in both day-to-day operations and broader strategic decision-making. This is a dynamic, high-impact position where you’ll influence operational efficiency, cost performance, and long-term site success.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Full operational leadership across production, logistics planning, and service execution
• Embedding and championing a strong safety culture, empowering the team to take ownership
• Leading, mentoring, and developing the operations team to build a high-performance culture
• Identifying and delivering process improvements and cost efficiencies
• Overseeing maintenance planning to improve reliability and maximise machine output
• Driving a customer-centric approach to deliver exceptional service outcomes
• Managing inventory to reduce waste and optimise EBIT performance
• Contributing to site and area-level strategic and P&L decisions as part of the leadership team

You’re a strategic, hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. With a strong operational background, you bring the ability to balance big-picture thinking with day-to-day execution, all while leading teams through change and continuous improvement.

You’re confident working autonomously, influencing stakeholders, and building a culture grounded in safety, accountability, and performance.

You will bring:

• Proven ability to lead and drive a high-performance culture within operations
• Experience in production and maintenance planning within a manufacturing environment
• Background in steel, building products, or industrial manufacturing (highly regarded)
• Experience managing within a heavily unionised environment
• Strong knowledge and application of safety systems and practices
• Well-developed problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills

Key Benefits

Below are some of our key central benefits that are available to InfraBuild employees. Other benefits may be available depending on your role or site.

• Award-winning workplace: 2026 AFR BOSS Best Places to Work Gold Winner, recognising our commitment to people, culture and performance.
• Generous parental leave: 20 weeks paid Primary Carer Leave and 3 weeks paid Partner Leave for those who have worked at the business for at least 12 months. The company also provides superannuation contributions for the Primary Carer during the period of unpaid parental leave for eligible employees (limitations apply).
• Employee Benefits Program: Employee Added Extras (EAE), our Employee Benefits Program, provides discounts for you and your friends and family on gift cards, shopping, groceries, home products, car rentals, holidays, recreation and more
• Recruitment referral awards: $1500 is awarded to eligible employees for referring friends or family to an open role if the candidate is successful.
• Corporate rates for private health insurance: Nib Health Insurance offers discounted cover for employees.

About Us

The Australian Reinforcing Company (ARC) is a local supplier of steel reinforcing that Australians have trusted for more than 100 years. With a proud history of innovation, supported by the largest branch distribution network in Australia, ARC provides a localised service adapted to our communities, towns & cities from Tasmania to Townsville, and everywhere in between.

ARC is a brand of InfraBuild, Australia’s leading integrated steel manufacturing, distribution and recycling business, making steel using our electric arc furnaces. InfraBuild provides solutions for commercial and residential construction, large scale and nation-building infrastructure as well as our primary producers and rural sectors. With ambitions to be carbon neutral by 2030, each day we help build futures through sustainable steel.

Why Work Here?

We offer more than just a job; we provide a dynamic environment built on three pillars that define our commitment to both our team and our industry.

• Work with a greater purpose: Join us in the pursuit of a sustainable future as we progress our ambition to become carbon-neutral. You will contribute to a legacy that not only helps to build our nation but sustains our environment for future generations. Embrace a culture where differences are celebrated, innovation is embraced and valuing everyones unique perspectives contributes to our transformation.

• Work well - live better: We understand the importance of working in an environment which supports you to balance your personal and professional life. Experience a culture which values you as a whole person - where family extends to the workplace and your well-being matters. You’ll thrive not only in your career with us, but beyond.

• Build your own future: Step into a culture where every day is an opportunity to grow, and where driving your own development is not just encouraged; its expected. You’ll be empowered to take the wheel of your learning journey and uncover your potential. The possibilities are limitless.

We invite you to forge your career in a workplace where passion meets purpose, wellbeing is nurtured and the opportunity to thrive is in your hands.

It is our ambition at InfraBuild to cultivate an inclusive workplace that is as diverse as the communities we serve. We encourage candidates from all cultural backgrounds, genders, orientations, age groups, and abilities to apply. Your diversity is our strength in creating sustainable and innovative steel solutions for Australias tomorrow.

Agencies should note that unsolicited resumes will not be accepted to this position, and GFG will not pay any fees related to resumes that are submitted directly to hiring managers and not through our approved processes.

We are a 2026 Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant.