Lead the Future of Advanced Manufacturing
Play a pivotal role in shaping AW Bell’s operations as it expands its global footprint across defence, aerospace, and advanced industries.
Founded in 1952 as a small pattern-making shop, AW Bell has grown into a world-class advanced manufacturer based in Victoria, Australia. Today, the company is renowned for delivering complex, mission-critical components to the defence, aerospace, biomedical, and mining industries.
As exemplary multi-award winning specialists, A.W Bell pride themselves as holding key signature recognition awards within; Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame (multi award winner), alongside an Export and Advanced Materials Award demonstrating their absolute commitment to excellence.
As a largely community focused business, AW Bell strongly advocate for the future of Australian manufacturing, and skill retention by partnering with the Victorian Government. They promote workforce training innovation programs that highlight foundry manufacturing as a viable career path & also deliver appropriate courses to gain qualifications.
Over the last five years, AW Bell has experienced significant international growth, supported by a strong pipeline of projects and the establishment of Australia’s first titanium investment casting facility. Its reputation rests on innovation, vertical integration, world-class quality standards, and strong customer partnerships.
With a heritage of craftsmanship and a future focused on global innovation, AW Bell continues to position itself as a trusted partner for clients who require prototyping, state of the art casting, precision machining, and end-to-end advanced engineering solutions tailored to client specific requirements as a one-stop-shop.
Vision, Mission & Values
Company Vision
"Empowering Growth, Building Together"
Company Mission
"To advance manufacturing, forge strategic partnerships, and enrich our communities through innovation and value-driven engineered solutions."
Company Values
- Genuine - We use clear, honest & respectful communication, no BS
- Ingenuity - Using creativity to solve problems efficiently
- Humble - Recognising strengths without ego, it's bigger than me
- Tenacity - Bold enough to try, driven enough to deliver
- Commitment - Actively involved and invested in our shared vision
u&u Recruitment Partners are proud to partner with AW Bell to recruit their General Manager, Operations.
General Manager, Operations
The General Manager, Operations is one of the most pivotal leadership roles at AW Bell, overseeing the company’s largest division and a team of 60–70 people. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role is responsible for ensuring operational excellence across foundry, machining, quality, logistics, and project management.
This is a rare opportunity for an experienced operations leader to join a business that is expanding globally, contributing to major defence and aerospace programs, and setting new benchmarks for Australian manufacturing.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead all aspects of production operations across foundry, machining & assembly facilities.
- Oversee quality and compliance to stringent industry and customer standards.
- Manage and mentor cross-functional teams in engineering, customer service, and project management.
- Drive resource management, staff development, training, reviews, and performance goal setting.
- Lead continuous improvement and process optimisation initiatives across manufacturing.
- Collaborate with the CEO on strategic planning and business execution.
- Own planning and scheduling to meet demanding production targets.
- Foster strong customer relationships and ensure exceptional satisfaction.
We're looking for candidates with:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Aerospace).
- Strong background in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, SPC, and Project Management.
- Proficiency with APQP tools (FAI, 8D, PFMEA, PFD, MSA, Control Plans, Process Capability).
- OH&S training and proven leadership development.
- Significant experience leading large operational teams in complex manufacturing environments.
- Technical expertise / knowledge in advanced manufacturing processes.
- Strong skills in budgeting, recruitment, training, and performance development.
- Ability to manage a large team, with oversight of 70-80 people, and consistently growing.
- Demonstrated success in customer engagement, change management, and operational transformation.
Take the next step in your career and lead operations at the forefront of Australian advanced manufacturing
Want to find out more?
Reach out to u&u. Recruitment Partners
Lauren Gruescu
Principal, Manufacturing, Technical & Operations
+61 422 803 494
lauren.gruescu@uandu.com
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