- Lead the Australian operations of a specialised automotive engineering and manufacturing business through its next phase of growth and diversification.
- Drive commercial performance, customer expansion and operational excellence with full P&L accountability
- Join a globally backed organisation offering the opportunity to shape strategy, build capability and influence long-term success
A highly successful and globally connected engineering and manufacturing organisation is seeking an accomplished General Manager to lead its Australian operations through a significant period of growth, diversification, customer expansion and operational advancement.
This is a rare opportunity to take full accountability for a specialised manufacturing business with established operations, a blue-chip customer base, strong technical capability and substantial growth potential.
Reporting to an international executive leadership team, the General Manager will be responsible for the overall performance of the business, including strategy execution, commercial growth, operations, manufacturing, engineering, quality, safety, customer engagement and financial performance. The successful executive will inherit a high-performing operation and be tasked with strengthening existing customer relationships while expanding the organisation's market presence and revenue streams through new customer acquisition and strategic business development initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across the entire Australian business.
- Deliver sustainable revenue growth and profitability.
- Develop and execute business growth and diversification strategies.
- Lead complex manufacturing and engineering operations to world-class standards.
- Strengthen key customer relationships and stakeholder engagement.
- Drive operational excellence through Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.
- Foster a high-performance culture focused on safety, quality, delivery and customer satisfaction.
- Build organisational capability, leadership depth and succession pathways.
- Maintain robust governance, compliance and financial management disciplines.
Essential Experience
Significant experience in the automotive industry is essential.
You will demonstrate significant senior leadership experience within the automotive sector, including automotive manufacturing, vehicle assembly, vehicle modification, automotive engineering, OEM environments, aftermarket operations, specialist vehicle programs or related automotive operations.
Experience within adjacent sectors such as transport equipment, heavy vehicle, specialist manufacturing or OEM supply chains will be considered where supported by significant automotive exposure.
In addition, you will bring:
- Proven General Management, Managing Director, Business Unit Leader or equivalent executive experience.
- Full P&L accountability within a manufacturing or engineering-led environment.
- Experience leading complex manufacturing operations with a strong focus on safety, quality, delivery and cost performance.
- Demonstrated success driving commercial growth, business development and market expansion.
- Strong stakeholder management capability, including customers, boards, shareholders and executive leadership teams.
- Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence or similar continuous improvement methodologies.
- A track record of building and leading high-performing teams through growth and change.
About you
You are a commercially astute and operationally credible executive who combines strategic thinking with hands-on leadership. Equally comfortable on the manufacturing floor, in front of customers, or presenting to a board, you possess the capability to drive performance today while building a sustainable platform for future growth.
You bring a blend of commercial acumen, manufacturing expertise, customer focus and leadership maturity, together with the ambition to lead a business through its next phase of expansion.
The Opportunity
This role offers the chance to lead a respected Australian operation backed by a successful international organisation. With a strong existing platform, significant technical capability and clear growth opportunities, this position provides a unique opportunity to shape the future direction of a market-leading business.
To apply, please click ‘apply now’ and upload your CV and Cover Letter. For any questions not outlined in the PD and for a confidential discussion, please contact Alex Mummé on 0474 434 868 or Anthony Grey on 0403 310 566.
Davidson 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.
Should you require assistance in your interactions with us or through a recruitment process, please let us know so we can provide adjustments for you.
Applications close on 2 nd July 2026.
