Job Description

Senior Operations Lead

Department: Automotive Production

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Sydney

At Carma, we’re more than just a car company, we’re on a mission to shake up the Australian automotive industry! As a digital pre-owned car dealership, we’re turning the car buying experience into a hassle-free, seamless journey that customers can truly enjoy. With our diverse and collaborative team managing everything from engineering to marketing and buying to reconditioning in-house, we’re powered by the best people and we’d love for you to come along for the ride.
As a Senior Lead, you own the performance of your section within the production system.This is not a coordination role — you are accountable for ensuring vehicles move efficiently, consistently and to standard through your area.

What you'll be doing?

• Own your section: Delivering throughput, quality and flow targets. Keep cars moving and hit targets.
• Identify disruptions early: Monitor workflows to spot breaks in flow such as growing queues, delays, or rework - before they escalate into larger systemic failures.
• Root Cause Resolution: Solve the "why," not just the "what." Investigate the underlying causes of operational friction rather than treating surface-level symptoms, ensuring that solutions are permanent and effective.
• Process Optimisation: Take decisive action to refine work methods, consistently seeking ways to eliminate waste and elevate the quality of every output.
• Quality Standardisation: Ensure work is performed correctly every time by maintaining rigorous adherence to established processes and high-quality benchmarks.
• High-Performance Leadership: Set clear expectations and build your team's capability, holding them accountable to the standards required for peak performance.
• Strategic Escalation: Identify roadblocks outside your immediate control and push them upward promptly, ensuring that system-level issues are resolved rather than ignored.

Success in this role is defined by a section that runs predictably, flows consistently, and improves over time without reliance on individuals.

Okay, let’s talk about you:

• Proven experience leading teams in a fast-paced production or automotive environment
• Ability to drive performance through people, not just manage tasks
• Strong capability in setting expectations, holding standards, and addressing underperformance
• Experience building team capability to improve output, quality and flow
• Confidence operating on the floor — engaging, directing and supporting teams in real time
• Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on identifying root causes
• Exposure to lean / continuous improvement environments (highly regarded)
• Ability to prioritise and adapt in a high-output, fast-changing environment
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality standards
• Valid NSW Driver’s Licence

In this role you’ll be based in our St Peters, Sydney site, with room for parking and train/ bus stops nearby.

What's in it for you?

• We wouldn’t be a car business if we didn’t give you some $$ off our Carma cars, parts and NRMA cover.
• Join our high-performing, forward-thinking team and help shake up car buying in Australia.
• Join a team that values quality as much as quantity — we believe in working hard, having fun and delivering an exceptional product.

At Carma, we’re all about fostering an amazing culture, where you can bring your best self to work! We value collaboration, innovation and having a laugh at work. Plus, we’re committed to diversity, inclusion and safe work practices, so no matter your background or experience (or car brand of choice!) we’d love to hear from you. Please let us know if you need any reasonable adjustments during the interview process.