Manufacturing Engineering Manager

We are seeking a high-impact, hands-on Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lift the efficiency, reliability, and scalability of GALE Pacific's manufacturing operations across owned and outsourced sites.
You'll operate with high autonomy and strong influencing capability, applying proven manufacturing improvement methodologies to drive measurable uplift in throughput, OEE, quality, responsiveness, and capital efficiency.
This is a critical, global role with direct responsibility for a small maintenance team, while delivering impact across manufacturing sites in Braeside (Australia), China, and contract manufacturing partners in Thailand.
The role:
Improve machine speed, throughput, yield, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)Reduce changeover times and eliminate non-productive downtime through mechanical, process, and workflow improvementsIdentify and eliminate bottlenecks constraining capacity and flowOwn and evolve the Reliability & Maintenance philosophy across sitesDevelop, implement, and continuously improve preventative maintenance (PM) standards and routinesReduce unplanned downtime and recurring failures using structured root cause methods (RCA / FMEA)Apply recognised methodologies (Lean Manufacturing, Lean Six Sigma, Theory of Constraints, TPM, World Class Manufacturing, Agile Manufacturing, Industry 4.0) to deliver measurable resultsDevelop and deploy global manufacturing and engineering standards to ensure consistency in safety, documentation, equipment capability, and maintenance practicesTransfer best practices across Australia, China, and contract manufacturing partnersLead small-to-medium capex and engineering projects end-to-end, ensuring disciplined delivery, cost control, and benefits realisationPrioritise engineering initiatives and capex using ROI/payback frameworks; support business case development for targeted investmentAct as a technical escalation point for complex, high-impact operational issuesProvide engineering support aligned to a 24/7 manufacturing environment, including availability for critical incidentsBe accountable for manufacturing-related subcontractors and specialist providers, ensuring alignment to GALE Pacific safety, quality, and commercial standards
The successful candidate should have:
Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline (Mechanical, Manufacturing, or similar)Safety centred mindset and ways of workingDemonstrated experience in engineering, reliability, and maintenance within complex manufacturing environments (multi-site and/or outsourced partners)Proven ability to apply Lean / CI methodologies to deliver real operating resultsProven experience developing and implementing maintenance strategies and processes that optimise machine performance while balancing cost and downtime impactsSolid project management, RCA, and FMEA capabilityExperience working in ISO9001 and HACCP certified environmentsStrong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence across all levels and geographiesFlexibility to support a 24/7 production environment when requiredHighly organised with strong time management and prioritisation skillsEnergised, positive, safety-centred approach with excellent written and verbal communication skills
Benefits & Culture:
GALE Safe - Focused safety culture and practicesSupportive leadership and connected global team environmentOpportunities for professional learning and developmentBraeside location with modern facilities and onsite parkingFlexible working supportedPaid Parental Leave ProgramAccess to comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Wellbeing supportNovated LeasingStaff product discounts
About GALE Pacific:
GALE Pacific celebrates our 75th anniversary in 2026. Our business progressed from an entrepreneurial family business knitting scarves and baby clothes to pioneering the development of knitting HDPE into what we know as shade fabric today. We are a category-leading provider of innovative shade solutions, transforming how people experience and enjoy outdoor spaces. Specialising in high-quality, sustainable products, from umbrellas and sun sails to awnings and custom shade structures, we design for performance, protection, and style in the world's harshest climates. Our range is endorsed by the Cancer Council, a partnership created through a shared commitment to education and innovation in sun protection. Our vision is to make shade as fundamental to outdoor life as sunlight — where every person, animal, crop and shared space is protected from the sun's harsh effects, so communities thrive through sustainable, intelligent and accessible shade. GALE Pacific is a public company (ASX: GAP) and employs over 400 people around the globe, operating in Australia, China, the United States, Europe and the Middle East. The opportunities for growth are endless. GALE Pacific is an equal opportunity employer. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need, not personal or protected attributes. We welcome applications from all cultural backgrounds, abilities and experiences. Please advise our team if you require assistance throughout the recruitment process. As part of our recruitment process, candidates may be asked to complete online psychometric testing, medical assessments (including Alcohol & Other Drug) and onsite / virtual interviews.