Manufacturing and Operations Recruitment
At Fuse, we specialise in connecting high-performing talent with employers across Australia’s diverse manufacturing and operations sectors. Whether you’re looking for your next role or hiring exceptional people, we understand the technical expertise, teamwork, and safety focus that keep manufacturing operations running efficiently.
Fuse Recruitment is trusted by top Australian companies
About Our Manufacturing & Operations Recruitment Expertise
About Our Manufacturing & Operations Recruitment Expertise
Manufacturing is at the core of Australia’s industrial strength, and skilled operational staff are the backbone of every production line.
Our Manufacturing & Operations specialists recruit for roles that ensure efficiency, safety, and product quality, supporting clients across small batch manufacturing through to high-volume, automated environments.
We provide recruitment solutions for temporary, contract, and permanent positions and take a partnership approach with every client to ensure the right fit technically and culturally.
Our Expertise Covers:
• Assembly and process work
• Machine operation and production lines
• Continuous improvement and Lean manufacturing
• Quality control, assurance, and compliance
• Health, safety, and environment (WHS/HSE)
• Production and operations management
• Manufacturing leadership and supervision
• Procurement, purchasing, and inventory roles
Manufacturing & Operations in Numbers
With strong employment, steady growth, and ongoing investment in innovation, manufacturing and operations remain one of Australia’s most resilient and opportunity-rich sectors.
902 K+
people employed nationally
$ 134 B+
in annual economic output
47 K+
manufacturing businesses in Australia
83 %
of manufacturers are investing in technology upgrades
Roles we commonly recruit
Production Operator
Machine Operator
Process Technician
Process Operator
Maintenance Technician
Mechanical Fitter
Electrical Maintenance Technician
Electrician
Production Supervisor
Shift Supervisor
Team Leader
Manufacturing Engineer
Process Engineer
Quality Assurance
Quality Control Officer
Quality Engineer
Calibration Technician
Continuous Improvement
Lean Coordinator
Reliability Engineer
Safety Officer
WHS Officer
HSE Officer
WHS Manager
Environmental & Sustainability Officer
Production Planner
Scheduling Coordinator
Inventory Planner
Materials Planner
Purchasing Officer
Procurement Officer
Supply Chain Coordinator
Toolmaker
CNC Machinist
Fabricator
Welder
Assembly Technician
Assembler
Pickers & Packers
Forklift Operator
Automation Technician
Robotics Technician
Controls Technician
Instrumentation Technician
Operations Manager
Plant Manager
Latest manufacturing and operations jobs
Career Pathways in Manufacturing & Operations
Manufacturing offers diverse and rewarding career options, from hands-on production to leadership and continuous improvement. Explore our detailed role profiles to learn more about responsibilities, key skills, and career progression.
Disciplines we recruit for
From business support through to technical and specialist roles, we recruit across a wide scope of disciplines to help organisations build strong, capable teams, and support job seekers in finding opportunities that match their skills and career goals.
Manufacturing & Operations
FMCG
Health & Life Sciences
Industrial & Heavy
Industries we hire manufacturing and operations in
Fuse Recruitment is a specialist recruitment agency that partners with businesses in the insurance, financial services, manufacturing and operations, infrastructure, renewable energy, government, and technology industries across Australia.
Manufacturing & Operations
FMCG
Health & Life Sciences
Industrial & Heavy
Logistics, Transport & Warehousing
Our industrial manufacturing and operations team
Nikki Herden
An experienced recruitment consultant and team leader specialising in corporate services. She is known for her people-first approach, building trusted client and candidate relationships, and supporting both organisations for long-term success.
Antoinette Bode-Higgerson
Antoinette is an HR and talent acquisition consultant with 7+ years’ experience, specialising in technical recruitment across biotech, pharma, and emerging technologies.
DJ Pupualii
DJ is a Recruitment Resourcer with 10 years of experience across recruitment and community services, specialising in manufacturing at Fuse Recruitment.
Peter Cheal
Peter is a Recruitment Consultant specialising in engineering and trades roles, with experience across civil, oil & gas, renewables, and infrastructure sectors.
Mathew Jannenga
Mathew is a Recruitment Consultant with over eights years in warehousing and supply chain management. He excels in driving sales, building client relationships, and managing placements in recruitment.
Christelle Capini
Christelle is a Senior Recruitment Consultant in the Brisbane manufacturing team. Christelle has a scientific background, with an Engineering degree in Biotechnology and a PhD in Immunology.
Larissa Mitchell
Larissa is a Recruitment Resourcer in the Sydney Manufacturing Team, specialising in high-volume recruitment and connecting top talent in blue-collar industries.
Ashleigh Stevens
With 8 years in FMCG and over 2 in recruitment, Ashleigh excels at matching clients and candidates, delivering tailored solutions for mutual success.
Stephanie Harris
Stephanie began her career journey in various sectors including hospitality, retail, and customer services. Leveraging her exceptional customer service skills, she transitioned into recruitment, quickly establishing herself in the industry.
Nicole Clarke
With over five years immersed in the manufacturing and industrial sector, Nicole’s focus has always been on recruitment, labour hire, and team leadership.
Nikki Herden
An experienced recruitment consultant and team leader specialising in corporate services. She is known for her people-first approach, building trusted client and candidate relationships, and supporting both organisations for long-term success.
Peter Cheal
Peter is a Recruitment Consultant specialising in engineering and trades roles, with experience across civil, oil & gas, renewables, and infrastructure sectors.
Christelle Capini
Christelle is a Senior Recruitment Consultant in the Brisbane manufacturing team. Christelle has a scientific background, with an Engineering degree in Biotechnology and a PhD in Immunology.
Nicole Clarke
With over five years immersed in the manufacturing and industrial sector, Nicole’s focus has always been on recruitment, labour hire, and team leadership.
Mike Hadley
Mike is the Team Leader of our Manufacturing operation in Sydney. He launched his career in recruitment in 2009 and has since established himself as a specialist in the Manufacturing and Transport and Logistics fields.
Samuel O’Brien
Sam specialises in facilitating connections and fostering opportunities within the manufacturing team at Fuse Recruitment. With a background in Organisational Psychology, Sam is dedicated to understanding and cultivating high performance.
Mathew Westcott
Mathew Westcott is the Managing Director of Fuse Recruitment, a leading specialist recruitment consulting business in the Manufacturing, Insurance & Wealth Management, Infrastructure and Utilities industry sectors across Australia.
Tyson McNeilly
Tyson McNeilly, CEO and Co-Founder, has been pivotal in driving Fuse’s growth, focusing on operational excellence, profitability, and the development of the team.
Melissa Kennedy
As our National Manager of Manufacturing at Fuse Recruitment, Melissa is responsible for coordinating our recruitment service offerings and client partnerships across our specialist sectors of pharmaceutical, medical device, FMCG, industrial,
Sebastian Leeder
Sebastian has an extensive background in recruiting across the infrastructure, renewables, and construction sectors. With a passion for the built form, Sebastian began his recruitment career in 2002
Meet our top manufacturing and operations talent
Meet our top
manufacturing and operations talent
Storeperson
A highly skilled warehouse professional with 20+ years of experience in forklift operation, inventory management, order picking, packing, and stock control across fast-paced logistics and beverage environments. Known for precision, safety adherence, and efficiency in handling both standard and high-value or fragile goods.
Proficient in operating a variety of forklifts, including counterbalance, twin-tyne, and high-reach equipment, with a strong commitment to workplace safety and equipment maintenance. Experienced in loading and unloading trucks, managing stocktakes, and coordinating warehouse workflows to ensure timely and accurate order fulfilment.
Medical Laboratory Scientist
A seasoned laboratory professional with extensive experience in clinical and research laboratory settings, combining technical expertise with strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills. Known for delivering high-accuracy results under pressure and managing multiple priorities across complex workflows.
Experienced in clinical trial sample processing, PBMC isolation, cryopreservation, instrument validation, and routine quality control, with strict adherence to GCLP and laboratory protocols. Skilled in preparing SOPs, training teams, and coordinating projects with external clients, sponsors, and auditors to ensure compliant and efficient laboratory operations.
Senior Financial Consultant
A dynamic and results-driven executive with extensive experience leading advice, distribution, and governance functions across large-scale superannuation and financial services organisations. With over 20 years in advisory leadership, operations, and strategic transformation, this professional has a proven record of delivering business growth, operational efficiency, and enhanced member outcomes.
A dynamic and results-oriented operations leader with over 25 years of experience in food manufacturing and FMCG, driving operational excellence across complex production environments. Known for combining technical expertise with a practical, people-focused leadership style, consistently delivering improvements in plant performance, compliance, and cost efficiency while building high-performing teams.
Production Supervisor
A results-driven Production Supervisor with extensive experience in the food production industry, combining operational expertise, team leadership, and compliance knowledge. Skilled in managing high-volume production, scheduling, yields, and quality assurance while maintaining strict adherence to food safety standards.
Proficient in HACCP, GMP, CGMP, and other regulatory frameworks, with hands-on experience in meat processing, boning, slicing, packaging, and assembly operations. Strong in staff training and assessment, leading teams to meet production targets efficiently and safely.
Production Manager
An accomplished manufacturing and packaging professional with extensive experience across the food and beverage sector, with experience in leading teams, scaling operations, implementing lean manufacturing principles, and enhancing line efficiency.
Skilled at reducing labour costs, improving production efficiency, optimising changeovers, and introducing sustainability initiatives. Combines technical oversight with staff engagement to drive safety, quality, and productivity outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common manufacturing jobs in Australia?
Some of the most in-demand manufacturing roles include machine operators, assemblers, maintenance fitters, production supervisors, and quality assurance officers. There’s also growing demand for WHS specialists, process engineers, and operations managers across industries such as FMCG, packaging, and medical devices.
What qualifications or licences do I need to work in manufacturing?
While many entry-level manufacturing jobs don’t require formal qualifications, employers value Cert III or IV in Manufacturing, Engineering, or Process Operations. For technical roles, a trade qualification (such as mechanical fitter or electrician) is essential. Forklift licences, confined space tickets, and safety training can also help you stand out.
Are manufacturing jobs in demand in Australia right now?
Yes, the manufacturing industry continues to grow, driven by advances in automation, local production, and renewable technology. Employers nationwide are hiring skilled staff for production, maintenance, quality, and leadership roles, especially in Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland.
What skills do employers look for in manufacturing and operations workers?
Employers seek candidates who are reliable, safety-conscious, detail-oriented, and capable of working in fast-paced environments. Technical and soft skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, mechanical aptitude, and continuous improvement experience are highly valued.
What is the average salary for manufacturing jobs in Australia?
Pay varies by role, skill level, and location. Some common examples are:
- Machine Operators / Assemblers: $55,000–$75,000 p.a.
- Maintenance Fitters / Technicians: $70,000–$100,000 p.a.
- Quality & WHS Officers: $70,000–$95,000 p.a.
- Operations & Production Managers: $100,000–$150,000+ p.a. Shift loadings and overtime can increase total earnings.
Is manufacturing a good career choice in Australia?
Yes. Manufacturing offers long-term job security, practical skill development, and career growth opportunities. Many workers start in production or technical roles and progress into supervisory, management, or process improvement positions, supported by training and certifications.
Our manufacturing and operations insights
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Our manufacturing and operations insights
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Every year, Australia’s logistics sector faces its toughest stress test: the Christmas peak. For operations managers, HR leaders, and company owners, it’s the season when demand skyrockets, margins tighten, and the preparedness of your workforce either makes or breaks performance. In 2024, Australians spent a record $69 billion online during the lead-up to Christmas —…
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Australia’s Manufacturing Employment Market: Trends, Challenges & Opportunities in 2025 and Beyond
Australia’s manufacturing industry is entering a new era. One defined by technological advancement, sustainability, and a transformation in workforce trends. While some traditional sectors face stagnation, others like medical technology and sustainable packaging are growing rapidly, creating both opportunities and challenges for businesses and job seekers alike. Understanding the employment market within manufacturing in 2025 requires…
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Take your next step with Fuse
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Your next meaningful connection is just around the corner. Let us take you there.
