Operations Lead

Who We Are

Bradken is equipping the resource sector to sustainably advance society.

As an Operations Lead based in Merlimau, you’ll be joining a global leader in the design, manufacture and supply of wear products and services for mining equipment. With a strong focus on safety, innovation and customer outcomes, you’ll be part of a team where operational excellence and continuous improvement drive meaningful impact.

Role Purpose & Contribution

Reporting to the Site Manager, this role is accountable for leading production and despatch operations to ensure products consistently meet customer requirements, specifications and delivery expectations.

The Operations Lead plays a critical role in delivering performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery and Cost, while driving continuous improvement in resource planning, process efficiency and operational execution. Success in this role comes from strong leadership on the ground, balancing people, performance and customer outcomes.

Your Impact

Champion a proactive safety culture by leading from the front, ensuring safe behaviours are embedded in daily operations and that risks are identified, addressed and never ignored.

Deliver customer-focused outcomes by aligning production and despatch activities with delivery commitments, quality standards and cost expectations.

Drive operational excellence through disciplined execution of plans, effective resource utilisation and continuous improvement across processes and systems.

Enable one team performance by working closely with maintenance, supply chain and commercial teams to resolve challenges and improve overall site performance.

Safety, Sustainability & Quality

Lead and maintain a strong safety culture where safety is the first priority in all interactions and decisions

Actively identify and address unsafe conditions, ensuring timely resolution and accountability

Ensure full implementation of safety, sustainability and operational standards across the team

Oversee incident reporting, investigation and closure of corrective actions

Conduct regular safety interactions and audits to ensure systems are effective

Lead safety and sustainability improvement initiatives across the site

Ensure all production and despatch personnel are trained and compliant with required procedures

Operations & Performance

Lead production and despatch teams to deliver against manufacturing, quality and customer expectations

Ensure accurate order confirmation and alignment with agreed delivery timelines through close coordination with sales

Manage working capital and raw material levels effectively

Maintain strong cost discipline and adherence to cost management processes

Partner with maintenance to support preventive maintenance planning and equipment reliability

Report on operational performance across daily, weekly and monthly cycles

Planning & Continuous Improvement

Develop and execute medium-term operational plans, aligning resources and priorities

Oversee daily production scheduling and adjust plans to meet changing operational needs

Monitor performance across financial, operational, safety and compliance metrics

Identify, scope and deliver improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and performance

Plan workforce requirements, including capability development, training and roster optimisation

Drive continuous improvement initiatives that support long-term operational capability

People & Leadership

Lead, develop and engage production and dispatch teams to deliver sustained performance improvement

Contribute as a key member of the Site Leadership Team, supporting site strategy, culture and performance outcomes

Build a high-performance culture focused on safety, accountability and continuous improvement

Develop team capability through coaching, feedback and structured development plans

Translate business strategy into clear operational priorities and expectations

Drive performance management, goal setting and accountability across the team

Support talent identification, development and succession planning across the site

Foster a collaborative and inclusive environment that reflects Bradken’s “One Team” approach

About You

You bring strong operational leadership experience within heavy industry, with a hands-on approach and a clear focus on safety, performance and team development.

Qualifications & Certifications

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Metallurgical, Materials, Manufacturing or Industrial)

Postgraduate qualification (MBA or MSc) is advantageous

Certifications in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, ISO standards or Safety (e.g. DOSH/SHO) are beneficial

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Project)

Experience

• Proven experience leading operations in heavy industry (steel or similar manufacturing environment preferred)
• Strong track record managing large, diverse and multi-skilled teams
• Strong shopfloor presence with a hands-on leadership approach
• Demonstrated ability to build team capability and improve performance from varying baseline levels
• Experience working with quality and environmental standards (e.g. ISO9001, ISO14001) and audits

Capability

Strong technical and problem-solving foundation

Commercial awareness with experience managing cost and operational performance

Ability to lead change, drive improvement and influence across functions

Confident communicator with strong stakeholder management capability

This role is based in Merlimau, Malaysia

If you’re ready to step into a role where strategy meets execution and leadership drives results, we’d love to hear from you.

Be challenged. Be inspired. Be heard. Apply now and lead a team that builds with pride, safety, and purpose.

Why join our team at Bradken?

Safety first environment and mindset

Flexible work options

Competitive Total Reward Packages

Global and local recognition programs

Paid Parental Leave

Learning and Development focus

Education assistance

EAP for you and your family

Community Involvement program

If you are interested in joining a team that is making a significant impact in the industry, we invite you to submit your application, along with your resume and a concise cover letter outlining why this position aligns with your career aspirations. Please note that the closing date for applications is April 16, 2026.

Everyone has a story... become a part of ours!

Prior to commencing employment, candidates will be required to complete a psychometric assessment, and a pre-employment medical examination, which includes drug and alcohol testing.

WE RESPECTFULLY REQUEST NO APPROACHES FROM RECRUITMENT AGENCIES.

Bradken is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, engaging, and flexible work environment for our employees, as we believe that remarkable outcomes arise when individuals are empowered to express their authentic selves in their work. All employment decisions will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs.