Factory Manager

About the role

The Factory Manager is responsible for the overall management, coordination, and continuous improvement of Wheelchair for Kids Australia's manufacturing operations. This role ensures the efficient production of high-quality wheelchairs that meet organisational, customer, and World Health Organization standards while maintaining a safe, productive and well-organised factory environment. The Factory Manager leads and supports volunteers and supervisors, manages manufacturing resources and inventory, oversees procurement and production planning, and drives operational excellence to achieve organisational objectives and delivery targets.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operation of all manufacturing, fabrication, assembly, warehouse and dispatch activities within the factory

• Ensure production targets are achieved in accordance with annual and monthly wheelchair manufacturing plans

• Coordinate workflow across all factory areas to maximise productivity, efficiency, quality and volunteer engagement

• Monitor factory performance against key operational metrics, identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing corrective actions

• Lead, support and develop workshop supervisors and volunteers to maintain a positive, safe, and productive working environment

• Oversee procurement activities and maintain appropriate inventory levels

• Ensure all manufacturing equipment, machinery, tools and factory assets are maintained in a safe and operational condition

• Ensure compliance with all workplace health and safety legislation, policies, procedures and safe work practices

• Manage manufacturing expenditure within approved budgets

• Prepare and present operational reports for management and committee meetings

About you

• Demonstrated experience managing manufacturing, production, operations, warehouse, or industrial environments

• Experience in production planning, workflow management, inventory control and operational performance improvement

• Strong understanding of quality systems, process improvement and workplace safety principles

• Proven ability to lead, motivate and coordinate diverse teams, including volunteers

• Strong coaching, mentoring and team-building skills

• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills

• Ability to build productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels

• Strong organisational and administrative skills with high attention to detail

• Experience maintaining records, preparing reports and analysing operational data

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and other business systems

About us

Wheelchair For Kids Australia's core purpose is to make a difference in the lives of mobility-impaired children and their families around the world and to continue building a community of volunteers who experience purpose, contribution, and camaraderie. We Listen to the needs of our Humanitarian Organisations, Design Engineers, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Donors, Volunteers, Suppliers and Partners to make a positive difference to the lives of our recipient children. We Care with compassion and respect for all stakeholders, demonstrated through the design and manufacture of world-class, fully adjustable, rough-terrain wheelchairs that meet World Health Organization standards and improve children's quality of life. We Give through the commitment of our predominantly volunteer workforce and the integrity of the organisation, enabling us to provide mobility and opportunity to disadvantaged children worldwide.