Operational Excellence Manager
About the Opportunity
The Operational Excellence Manager will drive continuous improvement, efficiency, and high performance across the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement by embedding best practices, lean principles, and a culture of excellence. This role ensures alignment between Austal Defence Australia’s strategic objectives and day to day execution, delivering measurable value and sustained operational capability.
About Austal
Austal is Australia’s global shipbuilder, Defence prime contractor; and maritime technology partner of choice. We design, construct, and support defence and commercial vessels for the world’s leading operators with operations spanning Australia, the USA, Philippines, and Vietnam.
Under the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement, Austal is leading a new era of continuous naval shipbuilding in Western Australia. We’re driving innovation, supporting sovereign capability, and creating long-term opportunities for Australian industry and workers.
Learn more at austal.com/ssa
This is your opportunity to contribute to projects of national significance. The maritime is now.
What’s Involved
- Enable strategic alignment by ensuring operational initiatives are clearly linkedin ADA goals and performance metrics
- Utilise benchmarking results and Enterprise pulse checks, enhancing capability and performance by developing systems, tools, and frameworks that uplift Enterprise maturity.
- Maintain, monitor, and continuously improve business capabilities to ensure they remain aligned with ADA strategy and fit for purpose in support of delivering value to the Customer
- Drive operational efficiency by leading continuous improvement initiatives that reduce waste, optimise processes, and increase productivity
- Embed a culture of excellence by influencing mindsets and behaviours across all levels of the organisation to embrace best practices and accountability
- Sustain measurable improvements by implementing governance, monitoring, and feedback mechanisms to track impact and maintain gains overtime
You’ll Need
- Bachelors degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related discipline
- Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt Minimum, Black Belt preferred)
- Strong working knowledge of process improvement tools
- Proven track record of leading operational excellence or continuous improvement programs within complex, cross functional environments
- Experience working in or with operations, manufacturing, supply chain, or technical project environments
- Skilled in data analysis and performance measurement
Why Join Us?
- Competitive compensation and benefits package.
- Professional development and training opportunities.
- A supportive and dynamic work environment.
- Opportunities for career advancement within our growing organisation.
At Austal we are committed to providing a safe and inclusive work environment for all. We believe that achieving greater diversity will enhance our operations and as such we actively encourage Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders, people of all backgrounds, ages, sexual orientation, and those with Disability to apply.
Learn more at Careers at Austal Australia | Austal: Australia
