Job Description

Lead the workshop delivering complex Defence and specialist projects

If you are an experienced Workshop Manager who combines practical workshop knowledge with strong people leadership, planning and delivery capability, this is an opportunity to take ownership of IDES workshop operations.

Joining Integrated Design & Engineering Solutions (IDES), part of the Varley Group, you will coordinate the people, facilities, equipment, materials and workflow required to deliver production assembly, prototype builds, integration, installation, servicing, repairs and testing activities.

You will work closely with workshop personnel, engineers, project managers, suppliers and customers to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently and in accordance with approved engineering documentation, quality requirements and project commitments.

Who Are We?

Integrated Design & Engineering Solutions (IDES), part of the Varley Group, is a wholly Australian-owned engineering and systems integration company delivering innovative solutions for Defence, Emergency Services and specialist projects.

With over 150 years of combined engineering experience, IDES supports customers across the complete project lifecycle, from capability development and concept design through to integration, testing, manufacture and in-service support.

Backed by Varley’s 140+ year history of Australian engineering excellence, our team works on complex projects where performance, reliability, safety and quality matter most.

The Opportunity

As Workshop Manager, you will be responsible for the effective day-to-day management and coordination of activities within the IDES workshop.

You will plan and prioritise workloads across projects, supervise workshop personnel, coordinate resources and ensure work is completed in accordance with approved drawings, bills of materials, technical specifications, work instructions and customer requirements.

The role also has responsibility for leading site safety compliance, supporting facility maintenance and driving continuous improvement across workshop safety, quality, workflow, productivity and resource utilisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the IDES workshop, ensuring work is delivered safely, efficiently and to schedule.
• Plan, prioritise and coordinate workshop activities, workloads and resources as required across multiple projects.
• Supervise tradespeople, technicians, contractors and other personnel operating within the workshop.
• Allocate work based on project priorities, capability, resource availability and delivery requirements.
• Coordinate personnel, materials, tools, equipment and facilities to support efficient workflow and project delivery.
• Ensure work is completed in accordance with approved drawings, bills of materials, work instructions and customer requirements.
• Monitor workshop progress, proactively identifying and addressing delays, constraints and operational risks.
• Ensure completed work is appropriately inspected, tested, documented and released for the next stage of delivery.
• Lead workshop safety and compliance, including risk assessments, incident reporting, inspections, toolbox discussions and safe work practices.
• Maintain high standards of workmanship, quality, and housekeeping.
• Work closely with engineering and project teams, providing practical input into manufacturability, assembly, tooling and installation requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement across all responsible areas.

About You

You are a practical, organised and delivery-focused workshop leader who takes ownership of outcomes and maintains a calm, constructive approach when managing competing priorities or unexpected problems.

You set clear expectations, follow through on commitments and maintain high standards of safety, quality, housekeeping and workmanship.

You will bring:

• Demonstrated experience managing or coordinating workshop, production, assembly, manufacturing or installation operations.
• Experience supervising tradespeople, technicians or workshop personnel.
• Strong practical understanding of production workflow, resource allocation, scheduling and delivery management.
• Experience working with engineering drawings, bills of materials, technical specifications and configured work instructions.
• Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety, quality and procedural compliance.
• The ability to identify operational risks and manage competing priorities.
• Strong communication, planning, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to communicate effectively with workshop personnel, engineers, project managers, suppliers and customers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and Project.

Highly Regarded

The following experience or qualifications will be highly regarded:

• A relevant mechanical, electrical, automotive or manufacturing trade qualification.
• Experience in Defence, specialist vehicle manufacturing, prototype development or low-volume vehicle production.
• Experience within a regulated or quality-managed engineering or manufacturing environment, including ISO 9001.
• Familiarity with Defence customer requirements, technical data, configuration management, inspection and acceptance processes.
• Qualifications or training in operations, production, manufacturing, engineering or business management.
• Experience with production scheduling and resource planning.
• Experience implementing Lean, continuous improvement or structured problem-solving methods.
• An active Australian Defence Security Clearance.

Eligibility Requirements

Due to the nature of our work:

• Australian Citizenship is mandatory.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an Australian Defence Security Clearance is required.
• Existing Security Clearance holders are encouraged to apply.

Apply Now

If you are ready to take ownership of workshop operations and help deliver complex Defence and specialist engineering projects, we would like to hear from you.

Click Apply Now and submit your resume outlining your relevant workshop management, production, manufacturing or installation experience.