Job Overview

Our client is seeking a highly organized, proactive, and hands-on Automotive Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day operations and keep projects, workshop activities, and administrative functions running smoothly. Working directly with the business owner, you will coordinate project schedules, supervise team leaders, manage purchasing and logistics, oversee accounts and staff administration, and maintain clear operational reporting. This role is ideal for someone who can bring structure, accountability, and forward planning to a growing custom manufacturing business, anticipating operational bottlenecks and ensuring the team has the materials, information, and resources needed to deliver quality work on schedule.

Client Overview

Our client is an Australian specialty automotive manufacturing business based in Byron Bay, New South Wales, crafting bespoke, high-quality custom campervan and bus conversions for road-trip and van-life enthusiasts across Australia. The business transforms vehicles into custom-built travel spaces, requiring careful coordination of projects, workshop activities, materials, suppliers, team schedules, and administrative processes.

Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Sydney Time (40 hours per week)

Responsibilities

• Operations Management & Team Supervision: Oversee daily business and workshop operations to ensure tasks are completed efficiently; supervise team leaders, monitor workloads, and maintain accountability; maintain daily checklists, track outstanding tasks, and establish consistent operating procedures.
• Project Coordination & Production Planning: Maintain project tasks, timelines, milestones, and updates using monday.com; coordinate multiple custom vehicle conversion projects; maintain at least four weeks of forward planning to anticipate upcoming workload, material requirements, and team capacity; identify operational risks early.
• Purchasing, Procurement & Logistics: Coordinate approved purchases of materials, components, equipment, and tools; liaise with suppliers regarding pricing, order status, and delivery schedules; track orders and deliveries; coordinate driver schedules and daily itineraries; resolve procurement issues and ensure purchases follow agreed budgets.
• Accounts & Financial Administration: Manage day-to-day accounts administration and accounts payable processes; organize and review supplier invoices; track payment due dates and supplier balances; assist with payroll administration, including timesheet verification and attendance tracking.
• HR & Staff Administration: Coordinate employee onboarding and maintain personnel records; monitor attendance, leave requests, and staff availability; manage Deputy timesheets and ensure hours are allocated accurately to projects; support payroll preparation with verified attendance records.
• Reporting, Documentation, AI & Automation: Maintain operational records, checklists, and standard operating procedures; prepare project updates and management reports; use ChatGPT and AI tools to streamline planning, documentation, and administrative efficiency; identify repetitive manual tasks to automate.

Requirements

• Proven experience in operations management, project coordination, production coordination, or a similar role.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise teams, coordinate team leaders, and ensure accountability for tasks and deadlines.
• Strong project planning skills, including managing multiple workstreams and anticipating resource requirements.
• Experience with project management software, preferably monday.com.
• Practical experience using ChatGPT and AI-powered tools for reporting, planning, documentation, or workflow automation.
• Familiarity with procurement, supplier coordination, inventory tracking, delivery scheduling, accounts payable, and payroll administration.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, initiative, and problem-solving skills.
• Reliable internet connection, webcam, and suitable home-office environment.
• Comfortable remaining on a live video stream during working hours, subject to agreed breaks.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential company, employee, supplier, and financial information responsibly.

Qualifications

• Experience in specialty manufacturing, automotive operations, vehicle conversions, fabrication, cabinetry, joinery, workshop management, or a related hands-on industry is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with Deputy or similar workforce management and timesheet systems is an advantage.

Key Performance Indicators

• Maintain accurate project schedules and at least four weeks of forward planning.
• Ensure outstanding tasks, checklists, and team deliverables are followed up consistently.
• Improve team accountability and visibility across ongoing projects.
• Coordinate materials procurement, supplier commitments, deliveries, and collections effectively.
• Maintain accurate accounts administration, payroll support, and staff records.
• Provide timely and reliable management reports and client updates.
• Identify operational bottlenecks before they significantly affect project timelines.
• Implement practical AI-assisted improvements and automation that reduce manual administration.

Ideal Candidate Profile The ideal candidate is a dependable, detail-oriented operations professional who takes ownership of outcomes rather than simply completing assigned tasks. You are comfortable coordinating workshop-based teams, managing multiple custom projects, following up persistently, organizing suppliers and materials, and ensuring management has a clear view of operational progress. You combine strong operational discipline with modern digital skills and understand the importance of forward planning, quality, accountability, and efficient resource coordination.

Independent Contractor Perks

• Permanent work from home
• Immediate hiring
• Health Insurance Coverage for eligible locations

Note

Please click the "Apply" button to complete your application, including the assessment questions, technical check, and voice recording. Your hourly pay rate will be established based on your performance in the application process; submissions with all requirements fulfilled will receive priority review.

One application, multiple possibilities: When you apply, our team reviews your background against all current openings, not just this one! If a different role fits your skills, we'll get in touch! We also encourage you to keep exploring our job board and apply directly to any position that excites you.