Automotive Operations Manager
About The Position
The Automotive Operations Manager will oversee day-to-day operations for a specialty automotive manufacturing business that creates custom campervan and bus conversions. Working directly with the business owner, the manager coordinates project schedules, workshop activities, team leaders, purchasing and logistics, accounts, staff administration, and operational reporting. The role focuses on bringing structure and accountability to a growing business, anticipating bottlenecks, and ensuring the team has the materials, information, and resources needed to complete quality work on schedule. The position also supports project and production planning across multiple custom vehicle conversion projects, maintains at least four weeks of forward planning, coordinates supplier and delivery activity, and manages accounts payable and payroll support. The manager maintains operational documentation and reports, and uses ChatGPT and other AI tools to improve planning, documentation, and administrative workflows. The role is listed as independent contractor work and is described as permanent work from home. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Sydney Time, 40 hours per week.
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.
- 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.
- Ability to responsibly handle confidential company, employee, supplier, and financial information.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in specialty manufacturing, automotive operations, vehicle conversions, fabrication, cabinetry, joinery, workshop management, or a related hands-on industry.
- Familiarity with Deputy or similar workforce management and timesheet systems.
Responsibilities
- Oversee daily business and workshop operations to ensure work is completed efficiently.
- Supervise team leaders, monitor workloads, follow up on outstanding tasks, and maintain accountability.
- Maintain daily checklists and establish consistent operating procedures.
- Maintain project tasks, timelines, milestones, and updates using project management software.
- Coordinate multiple custom vehicle conversion projects and maintain at least four weeks of forward planning.
- Anticipate workload, material requirements, team capacity, and operational risks.
- Coordinate approved purchases of materials, components, equipment, and tools.
- Liaise with suppliers about pricing, order status, and delivery schedules; track orders and deliveries.
- Coordinate driver schedules and daily itineraries, and resolve procurement issues while following agreed budgets.
- Manage day-to-day accounts administration and accounts payable processes.
- Organize and review supplier invoices and track payment due dates and supplier balances.
- Assist with payroll administration, including timesheet verification and attendance tracking.
- 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.
- Maintain operational records, checklists, and standard operating procedures.
- Prepare project updates, management reports, and client updates.
- Use ChatGPT and AI tools to streamline planning, documentation, and administrative efficiency.
- Identify repetitive manual tasks for automation and implement practical AI-assisted improvements.
- Identify operational bottlenecks before they significantly affect project timelines.
Benefits
- Permanent work from home.
- Health insurance coverage for eligible locations.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Education Level
No Education Listed
