Project Lead (Manufacturing Excellence)

Project Lead Manufacturing Excellence - North America

We are seeking a Project Lead Manufacturing Excellence, who will spearhead the Manufacturing workstream for Brickworks’ group-wide business optimisation program. This pivotal role will work with the existing operations leadership team to oversee the development and implementation of operational best practice and efficiency initiatives across the network of brick plants nationwide. The Project Lead will work closely with the team and external consultants to drive continuous improvement, operational optimization, and enhance manufacturing processes to meet the company’s strategic objectives. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Leadership & Strategy Implementation: Lead the Manufacturing workstream within the broader business optimisation program, ensuring alignment with overall business goals and strategies. Provide direction and guidance to the project team, including internal staff and external consultants, to drive effective project execution.
• Operations Improvement Plan: Identify opportunities for process improvements across the network of brick plants. Implement best practices and methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.) to optimize manufacturing processes, reduce waste, enhance productivity, and increase profitability. Develop the operations improvement plan for each site in cooperation with Plant Directors and the functional departments.
• Performance Analysis: Prepare and analyse performance data to drive transformation strategy and execution. Keep tracks of balanced scorecards and derive business insights and action plan from them.
• Standard Setting and Performance Management: Manage all labour, material and energy spend standards and performance metrics.
• Budget Management: Oversee the program budget in cooperation with sites and contribute to building investment requests when necessary.
• Improvement Tools Deployment: Deploy best practices on Lean manufacturing and Total Productive Maintenance amongst sites to support manufacturing excellence
• Project Management Office (PMO) Coordination: Monitor progress of various streams, ensuring that stream leaders are on time with their deliverables, raising alerts on risks, and ensuring the overall drumbeat of the program is maintained. Success Requirements
• A relevant degree in engineering, manufacturing, operations management, or a related field.
• Project management qualification / certification is desirable
• Proven experience in manufacturing operations, ideally in the brick and masonry or similar heavy industry sectors
• Strong background in driving operational excellence and process improvement initiatives (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, TPM).
• Excellent project management skills, with experience in leading large-scale transformation or change management projects in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, with the ability to influence and engage cross-functional teams at all levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach to decision-making
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to travel to different manufacturing plants across North America.