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National Operations Manager – Heavy Vehicle Parts & Engineering

Respected industry leader | Pathway to General Manager | National Scope

Bayswater - VIC

  • Join Australia's leading heavy vehicle power steering specialist

  • National operational leadership role across four interstate branches

  • Clear succession pathway to General Manager within 3-5 years

  • Attractive remuneration package: Negotiable circa $150,000 + Superannuation + Car Allowance


The Company

Hydrosteer is a well-established Australian engineering business and market leader in the design, remanufacture, supply and support of heavy vehicle power steering systems and components for both OEM and aftermarket customers.

With a strong reputation built on technical expertise, product quality and customer service, Hydrosteer supports heavy vehicle operators, workshops and distributors throughout Australia from its national branch network.


The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the business owners, the National Operations Manager will play a pivotal leadership role in driving operational excellence, branch performance and sustainable growth across Hydrosteer's national footprint.

This is far more than a traditional operations role. You will be a key contributor to strategic business decisions, providing the critical link between customer needs, workshop production, inventory management and commercial outcomes.

The successful candidate will lead and support interstate teams, improve operational efficiency, strengthen customer relationships and help position the business for its next stage of growth.

This position offers a genuine opportunity to progress into a General Manager role within the next 3-5 years.


Key Responsibilities

  • Lead national operations across four branch locations

  • Chair and facilitate fortnightly operations meetings

  • Drive operational governance and consistency across all sites

  • Monitor branch performance through KPI development and reporting

  • Manage workshop productivity, labour utilisation and production outcomes

  • Oversee fleet, plant and equipment management

  • Drive inventory optimisation and stock performance initiatives

  • Support heavy vehicle parts sales growth through operational alignment

  • Collaborate closely with Sales and Purchasing Managers to maximise business outcomes

  • Implement continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives

  • Lead, mentor and develop branch managers and workshop leadership teams

  • Support key customer relationships and major account initiatives

  • Contribute to strategic planning, business development and succession planning initiatives


Key Requirements & Qualifications

Experience

  • Minimum 7 years' experience in multi-site operational leadership

  • Background within heavy commercial vehicles, automotive engineering, component remanufacturing, truck parts, industrial services or related sectors

  • Demonstrated success managing geographically dispersed teams and branches

Commercial Capability

  • Proven track record in heavy truck parts sales and aftermarket operations

  • Strong understanding of sales support, inventory management and profitability drivers

  • Experience aligning operational performance with commercial objectives

Leadership

  • Demonstrated ability to build, mentor and hold teams accountable

  • Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels

  • Experience managing branch managers, workshop supervisors and technical personnel

Operational Expertise

  • Strong understanding of workshop operations, quality systems and production management

  • Experience with labour efficiency, scheduling and capacity planning

  • Proven ability to implement process improvements that drive measurable results

Financial & Business Acumen

  • Experience managing operating budgets and cost control initiatives

  • Strong understanding of inventory performance, stock turns and asset utilisation

  • Ability to analyse performance data and make informed business decisions

Technical Knowledge

  • Sound knowledge of heavy vehicle components and systems

  • Experience within power steering, drivetrain, suspension, hydraulic or related mechanical systems will be highly regarded

Systems & Travel

  • Competent with business reporting systems

  • Willingness to undertake periodic interstate travel as required

Qualifications

  • Qualifications in Business, Operations Management, Engineering, Automotive Technology or a related discipline will be highly regarded


What's On Offer?

  • Senior leadership role with significant influence across the business

  • National responsibility and broad operational exposure

  • Opportunity to work directly with business owners

  • Strong and established Australian brand with market-leading position

  • Supportive and collaborative leadership environment

  • Clear pathway to General Manager succession

  • Attractive remuneration package including car allowance

  • Long-term career opportunity within a growing business


How to Apply

Please apply via the SEEK platform by clicking "Apply for this Job" and submit your current CV together with a cover letter outlining your relevant experience.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For a confidential discussion regarding the position, please contact:

Laurie Williams
☎ 0412 523 168

All enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence