Operations Manager

Six Degrees Executive are delighted to be partnering exclusively with Paintback in recruiting their critical Operations Manager position leading their key Braeside site.

Paintback is Australia's national paint stewardship scheme, helping divert unwanted paint and packaging from landfill while driving innovative recycling and circular economy outcomes.

Following the successful launch of its world-first Paint Circular Economy Headquarters in Braeside, Paintback is entering an exciting new phase of growth and operational maturity. This opportunity will play a critical role in leading the site's operations, driving performance, and helping shape the future of paint recovery and recycling in Australia.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Operations Manager will take ownership of Paintback's Braeside manufacturing and recycling facility, overseeing all aspects of site operations including manufacturing, engineering, maintenance, logistics coordination, HSEQ and continuous improvement.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced operational leader to step into a highly visible role where they can combine strong leadership, operational excellence and purpose-driven outcomes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the day-to-day operation of Paintback's manufacturing facility and pilot plant.
• Driving performance across safety, quality, cost, delivery and environmental outcomes.
• Building and embedding robust operational systems, governance frameworks and performance measures.
• Leading manufacturing, engineering, maintenance, planning and logistics activities.
• Supporting the Safety Manager and enhancing HSEQ systems, compliance and risk management practices.
• Managing supplier and contractor relationships to deliver strong stewardship and operational outcomes.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency, recovery rates and site performance.
• Leading, coaching and developing a high-performing team while fostering a culture of accountability, engagement and safety.
• Managing budgets, reporting and cost centre accountability.

This is a hands-on leadership role that will suit someone who enjoys building capability, improving systems and creating structure within a growing operation.

About You

To be successful, you will bring:

• Proven operations leadership experience within manufacturing, processing, recycling, chemicals, industrial, FMCG or related environments.
• Strong exposure to safety, quality and compliance-driven operations.
• Experience leading engineering, maintenance, manufacturing and operational teams.
• A track record of driving operational improvement and building high-performing cultures.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing capability.
• Commercial acumen with experience managing budgets and operational performance.
• A visible and hands-on leadership style with the ability to balance strategic thinking and day-to-day execution.

Most importantly, you will be energised by the opportunity to lead a facility that is creating genuine environmental impact and helping advance Australia's circular economy.

Why Join Paintback?

• Lead a newly established paint recovery and recycling facility.
• Join a purpose-led organisation making a tangible environmental impact.
• Work directly with the CEO and leadership team.
• Play a key role in shaping operational excellence and future growth.
• Combine manufacturing leadership with sustainability and innovation.
• Competitive remuneration package and flexible working arrangements.

For a confidential discussion, please contact David Oliver at Six Degrees Executive on ***email_hidden*** or apply directly.

Six Degrees Executive acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and live. We are also committed to equal opportunity and strive to promote diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility, and accessibility in all that we do.

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