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Production Unit Manager - Job Opportunity at ALSTOM

Perth, Australia
Contract
Senior
Posted: June 6, 2025
On-site
AUD 120,000 - 150,000 per year based on senior manufacturing management roles in Perth's industrial sector, with potential for higher compensation given the specialized nature of rail manufacturing and the strategic importance of the METRONET project

Benefits

Fixed-term contract providing specialized project experience in Australia's largest railcar manufacturing program
Opportunity to work on METRONET projects representing significant infrastructure investment
Access to Alstom's global manufacturing expertise and continuous improvement systems
Professional development through leadership of complex manufacturing operations
Exposure to cutting-edge rail technology and sustainable transportation solutions

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic workforce management including comprehensive training programs, qualification tracking, and task optimization to maximize operational efficiency
Drive proactive manufacturing preparation aligned with critical Production KPIs to ensure delivery of $1.6 billion railcar program milestones
Execute cross-functional collaboration for forecasting, planning, and risk mitigation strategies that protect the Master Production Schedule integrity
Manage industrial process handover from engineering to manufacturing, ensuring seamless technology transfer and operational readiness
Deploy and oversee APSYS continuous improvement system to drive operational excellence, waste reduction, and process optimization
Optimize SQCD (Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery) performance metrics and KPI tracking to maximize workstation efficiency and output quality
Champion safety-first culture implementation while maintaining cost-effective operations and quality standards

Requirements

Education

Degree in Engineering or relevant Mechanical trade qualification

Experience

Experience from a similar position in an operational, manufacturing working environment

Required Skills

Demonstrated people leadership skills Proven influencing, negotiation and communication skills Detailed understanding of manufacturing processes, systems and technologies Capable analytical skills with strong attention to detail and planning abilities
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The rail transportation industry is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by global sustainability initiatives and urban population expansion, with governments worldwide investing heavily in rail infrastructure to reduce carbon emissions and replace car-dependent transportation systems. Australia's commitment to METRONET represents a significant shift toward sustainable public transport, reflecting broader international trends in green mobility solutions. Manufacturing digitization and Industry 4.0 technologies are transforming rail production facilities, with companies implementing advanced analytics, IoT sensors, and automated quality control systems to improve efficiency and reduce production costs. The integration of continuous improvement methodologies like APSYS demonstrates the industry's focus on operational excellence and waste reduction. The global rail market is consolidating around major players like Alstom, Siemens, and CRRC, with companies competing on technological innovation, manufacturing efficiency, and comprehensive service offerings. This consolidation is driving standardization of manufacturing processes and creating opportunities for specialized production management roles.

Role Significance

Typically managing 15-30 direct reports including operators, technicians, and supervisors, with indirect influence over broader manufacturing support functions
Senior management position with direct accountability for production unit performance, team leadership, and delivery of critical project milestones within Australia's largest rail infrastructure program

Key Projects

METRONET railcar manufacturing program representing 246 new vehicles A-series train replacement project involving legacy fleet modernization DMU railcar production for Australind service enhancement Implementation of APSYS continuous improvement initiatives

Success Factors

Mastery of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies to drive operational efficiency in complex rail vehicle assembly operations Advanced people leadership capabilities including change management, performance coaching, and cross-cultural team development in a diverse manufacturing environment Deep understanding of rail industry quality standards, safety regulations, and compliance requirements specific to Australian transportation infrastructure Strategic thinking ability to balance competing priorities of safety, quality, cost, and delivery while maintaining long-term operational sustainability

Market Demand

High demand driven by global rail infrastructure investment and the specialized nature of rail manufacturing management expertise

Important Skills

Critical Skills

People leadership and team development capabilities are essential given the responsibility for managing diverse manufacturing teams and ensuring knowledge transfer in a rapidly scaling operation. The ability to inspire, coach, and develop talent directly impacts production quality and delivery timelines. Manufacturing process expertise and operational excellence mindset are fundamental to success in this role, as the position requires optimizing complex assembly operations while maintaining stringent quality standards and safety requirements specific to rail vehicle production. Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management skills are crucial for coordinating with engineering, supply chain, quality, and project management teams to ensure seamless production flow and timely delivery of critical project milestones.

Beneficial Skills

Digital manufacturing and Industry 4.0 knowledge would provide competitive advantage in implementing advanced analytics and IoT technologies to optimize production efficiency Project management certification and experience would enhance ability to manage complex manufacturing programs with multiple stakeholders and tight delivery schedules Lean Six Sigma expertise would support continuous improvement initiatives and waste reduction efforts aligned with Alstom's operational excellence standards

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to establish manufacturing operations for Australia's largest rail infrastructure program, providing unique experience in greenfield production setup
Direct involvement in sustainable transportation initiatives aligned with global carbon reduction goals and urban mobility transformation
Access to Alstom's global manufacturing expertise and best practices while adapting processes for Australian market requirements
Leadership role in technology transfer from engineering to manufacturing for cutting-edge rail vehicle designs

Career Growth

Typically 3-5 years to progress to plant-level management roles, with accelerated advancement possible given the high-profile nature of the METRONET program and demonstrated success in complex manufacturing environments

Potential Next Roles

Plant Manager or Manufacturing Director roles overseeing multiple production units Program Manager positions managing large-scale rail infrastructure delivery Operations Director roles in transportation manufacturing companies General Manager positions in industrial manufacturing sectors

Company Overview

ALSTOM

Alstom is a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility solutions, operating in over 70 countries with more than 80,000 employees worldwide. The company specializes in high-speed trains, metros, monorails, trams, and integrated transport systems, positioning itself as a comprehensive mobility partner for cities and transportation authorities globally.

Alstom ranks among the top three global rail manufacturers alongside Siemens and CRRC, with strong market presence in Europe, Asia-Pacific, and growing operations in North America and Australia
The Perth operation represents Alstom's strategic expansion into the Australian market, leveraging the METRONET contract to establish a significant manufacturing footprint and compete for future infrastructure projects across the Asia-Pacific region
Alstom promotes an inclusive, agile work environment emphasizing safety, innovation, and professional development, with strong focus on diversity and environmental sustainability reflecting the company's commitment to greener transportation solutions
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