Operations Manager

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ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions New Zealand seeks an experienced Operations Manager to lead Auckland manufacturing, supply chain, procurement and warehousing, overseeing 130+ staff across multiple shifts and reporting to the SVP and Head of New Zealand. The role requires strategic and hands on leadership focused on safety, quality, service and cost, with strong S&OP, inventory discipline and industrial relations in a partly unionised environment. Successful candidates will bring 10+ years of senior manufacturing leadership, Lean and production optimisation, and a track record of capital and capability improvements. To apply, tailor your CV to measurable outcomes, highlight union experience, and demonstrate clear communication and a steady, credible leadership style.

ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions New Zealand is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead our Auckland operations across manufacturing, supply chain, procurement and warehousing. 

This is a rare opportunity to join our senior leadership team and add value with your extensive operational experience, sound judgement and strong financial discipline. Reporting directly to the SVP & Head of ASSA ABLOY New Zealand you will lead a workforce of 130+ employees across multiple shifts.

The Role 

You will provide strategic and operational leadership across all production and supply functions, ensuring safety and quality remain at the forefront while delivering consistently across service, performance and cost. This role brings together manufacturing execution supply chain planning and inventory optimisation, ensuring strong alignment between demand, capacity and supplier performance. You will be responsible for strengthening  operational systems, improving production reliability, and developing capability across both leadership teams and frontline supervisors.

Success in this role requires visible, steady and confident leadership within a partially unionised workforce.  You will balance long-term operational planning with a consistent on-site presence, fostering engagement, stability, and continuous improvement across the operation. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead end-to-end operational performance across manufacturing, supply chain and warehousing 

• Deliver measurable improvements in safety, quality, service and cost 

• Strengthen S&OP integration and inventory discipline across local and international supply streams 

• Build leadership capability and accountability within a workforce of 130+ employees 

• Maintain effective industrial relations 

• Drive continuous improvement and capital initiatives to improve reliability,  productivity, and efficiency 
  
  

About You 

You are degree-qualified in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations or a related field, with 10+  years of  leadership experience in complex manufacturing environments. 

You bring experience  working within unionised industrial settings and have demonstrated capability in S&OP, Lean and production optimisation. You understand operational detail as well as financial performance and have led change initiatives that strengthened culture, performance and accountability. 

You are a credible, steady leader who communicates clearly, makes timely decisions and builds trust across both shop-floor and executive stakeholders. 

Why ASSA ABLOY 

• Senior leadership role within the New Zealand business 

• Broad operational mandate across manufacturing and supply chain 

• Opportunity to strengthen capability and operational performance 

• Part of a global organisation with strong local accountability

We are the ASSA ABLOY Group
Our people have made us the global leader in access solutions. In return, we open doors for them wherever they go. With nearly 63,000 colleagues in more than 70 different countries, we help billions of people experience a more open world. Our innovations make all sorts of spaces – physical and virtual – safer, more secure, and easier to access. 

As an employer, we value results – not titles, or backgrounds. We empower our people to build their career around their aspirations and our ambitions – supporting them with regular feedback, training, and development opportunities. Our colleagues think broadly about where they can make the most impact, and we encourage them to grow their role locally, regionally, or even internationally.

As we welcome new people on board, it’s important to us to have diverse, inclusive teams, and we value different perspectives and experiences.