Head of Operations

At Sulzer, we don’t just keep up with change, we lead it. With nearly 200 years of innovation behind us, we continue to shape industries with cutting‑edge pumping, mixing, separation, and purification technologies. Headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland, and backed by a global network of 180 world‑class facilities, we are proud to deliver solutions that make life safer, smarter, and more sustainable. At Sulzer Australia, we provide critical services for rotating equipment across power generation, petrochemicals, mining, and heavy manufacturing. We’re seeking aHead of Operations to provide operational leadership, subject matter expertise, and hands‑on support across our Australian network. This role plays a pivotal part in shaping how our operations perform today and into the future. The role This is a senior, hands‑on operational leadership role. While you’ll set direction and drive improvement initiatives at a national level, you’ll also be closely involved in the detail: supporting service centre managers, troubleshooting operational challenges, and stepping in when required. You’ll work across the network to lift performance, embed consistency, and drive safe, efficient, and commercially sound operations. What you’ll do Drive continuous improvement across Services Operations through LEAN, standardisation, and business improvement initiatives. Provide operational leadership and practical support to Service Centre Workshops across Australia. Lead change initiatives to align service centres and maximise network performance. Coach and mentor Service Centre Managers to improve forecasting, margins, labour utilisation, quality, and safety outcomes. Provide service centre management backfill when required (e.g. leave coverage). Champion safety leadership and operational discipline across the business. Partner with Engineering to provide subject matter expertise on workshop and operational matters. Support CAPEX planning and implementation, including new equipment, layouts, and facility upgrades. Work closely with functions such as safety, human resources etc to build operational capability across the Services business. Support capital expenditure submissions and provide operational insight to senior leadership. Promote a positive, effective employee relations environment across the network. About you You’re an experienced operational leader who understands workshops, people, and performance. You’re comfortable being visible, involved, and hands‑on. Key attributes - Strong operational leadership experience within engineering, manufacturing, or services environments. - A practical mindset with the ability to move between strategy and execution. - Commercial acumen and confidence working with operational and financial metrics. - Proven ability to influence, coach, and support leaders across multiple sites. - Willingness to travel regularly across Australia (approximately 30‑40%). Qualifications & experience Bachelor’s degree or trade qualification in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering (or related discipline). 10+ years’ industry experience. Demonstrated leadership capability in operational or service‑based environments. Why join Sulzer? - Performance‑based bonus scheme that genuinely rewards impact and results - Company‑provided phone, laptop, and corporate credit card - Vehicle allowance to enable seamless travel across Sulzer locations - Flexibility to work from home up to two days per week (when not travelling) - Employee Assistance Program to support your wellbeing - Highly collaborative environment with strong operational influence - Part of a global organisation offering long‑term career growth and development #J-18808-Ljbffr