POSITION DESCRIPTION
Warehouse & Production Leading Hand
Work Type: Temp > Permanent Contract, Full Time
Department: Operations
Reports To: Warehouse Planning & Logistics Coordinator
Works Closely With:
- Operations Manager
- Senior Storeperson & Inventory Controller
- Senior Production Specialist
- Technical Advisor
- Operations Coordinator
- Sales & Operations Coordinator
Direct Reports:
- Storeperson
- General Hands
- Casual Staff
- Labour Hire Personnel
- Apprentices (if applicable)
Salary Guide: $80,000–$90,000 + Super (depending on experience)
This position has been designed with a structured career progression framework. Depending on experience, capability and demonstrated performance, appointments may be made at different levels within the Warehouse & Production Team Leader pathway. Progression is based on demonstrated ownership, leadership, planning capability and contribution to continuous improvement, rather than length of service alone.
Position Summary
The Warehouse & Production Leading Hand is responsible for leading the daily execution of warehouse and production activities, ensuring customer commitments are achieved safely, efficiently and to VE Furniture's quality standards.
Working from the operational plan developed by the Warehouse Planning & Logistics Coordinator, this role coordinates the daily activities of the warehouse and production team, allocates work, coaches staff, monitors productivity and removes operational obstacles to ensure work flows efficiently.
This is a hands-on leadership role. The successful candidate leads by example, working alongside the team, demonstrating best practice, providing practical training and fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement.
The Warehouse & Production Leading Hand also maintains a strong understanding of operational planning and is capable of supporting the Warehouse Planning & Logistics Coordinator during periods of leave or increased operational demand.
Purpose of the Role
To lead the safe and efficient execution of warehouse and production activities by combining practical leadership, operational excellence and hands-on support, while developing a capable team that consistently delivers exceptional customer outcomes.
Reporting Relationships
Reports To
Warehouse Planning & Logistics Coordinator
Direct Reports
- Storeperson
- General Hands
- Casual Employees
- Labour Hire Personnel
- Apprentices
Works Closely With
Warehouse Planning & Logistics Coordinator
Receives:
- Daily production priorities
- Delivery schedules
- Labour plans
- Customer commitments
- Operational priorities
Provides:
- Progress updates
- Resource constraints
- Productivity feedback
- Safety concerns
- Improvement opportunities
Senior Storeperson & Inventory Controller
Coordinates:
- Material availability
- Picking priorities
- Warehouse readiness
- Inventory shortages
- Incoming goods
Senior Production Specialist
Coordinates:
- Complex production work
- Specialist manufacturing
- Production improvements
- Resource requirements
- Production support
Technical Advisor
Coordinates:
- Product quality
- Technical manufacturing advice
- Equipment usage
- SOP compliance
- Corrective actions
- Non-conformance management
Core Accountability
The Warehouse & Production Leading Hand is accountable for the daily leadership of the warehouse and production team and the successful execution of the operational plan.
The role ensures that work is completed safely, efficiently and to the required quality standards by leading through practical involvement, coaching and demonstration.
This position develops team capability, reinforces operational discipline and creates an environment where staff clearly understand priorities, expectations and what success looks like each day.
When required, the role provides operational planning support to ensure continuity during the absence of the Warehouse Planning & Logistics Coordinator.
Operating Philosophy
Every day this role asks:
"How do I help my team deliver exceptional work today while building their capability for tomorrow?"
Key Responsibilities
1. Team Leadership
Objective
Develop a capable, accountable and engaged warehouse and production team.
Responsibilities
- Lead the team through positive example and practical involvement.
- Conduct daily toolbox and start-up meetings.
- Allocate work in accordance with operational priorities.
- Coach, mentor and develop team members.
- Provide on-the-job training and demonstrations.
- Set clear daily expectations.
- Monitor productivity and quality.
- Recognise strong performance.
- Address performance concerns promptly.
- Assist with onboarding and training new employees.
- Foster teamwork and accountability.
2. Warehouse & Production Leadership
Objective
Lead daily warehouse and production activities to ensure customer commitments are achieved.
Responsibilities
- Lead warehouse and production activities from the floor.
- Demonstrate correct assembly and manufacturing techniques.
- Assist with production during peak periods.
- Coordinate picking, packing and dispatch.
- Monitor workflow throughout the day.
- Remove production bottlenecks.
- Balance labour across warehouse and production functions.
- Ensure work is completed efficiently without compromising quality.
- Promote pride in workmanship and presentation.
3. Production Coordination
Objective
Ensure production activities are completed safely, efficiently and to schedule.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate daily production activities.
- Monitor progress against production plans.
- Escalate production risks early.
- Assist with production sequencing.
- Support complex production tasks where required.
- Work collaboratively with the Senior Production Specialist and Technical Advisor.
4. Safety & Housekeeping
Objective
Create a safe, organised and professional workplace.
Responsibilities
- Lead by example in all safety practices.
- Conduct toolbox meetings.
- Ensure safe operation of warehouse equipment.
- Monitor housekeeping standards.
- Report hazards and incidents.
- Promote proactive safety behaviours.
- Ensure compliance with SOPs and safe work procedures.
5. Quality
Objective
Deliver work right the first time.
Responsibilities
- Monitor product quality throughout production.
- Conduct final quality checks where appropriate.
- Coach team members on quality expectations.
- Reduce rework through training and supervision.
- Work with the Technical Advisor to resolve quality issues.
6. Planning Support
Objective
Support operational continuity.
Responsibilities
- Develop a sound understanding of warehouse planning processes.
- Provide planning support during peak periods.
- Cover the Warehouse Planning & Logistics Coordinator during leave where required.
- Assist with labour planning and production scheduling.
- Contribute practical production knowledge to future operational planning.
7. Continuous Improvement
Objective
Build a culture of continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
- Identify opportunities to improve productivity.
- Recommend process improvements.
- Assist with implementing new procedures.
- Support Lean and 5S initiatives.
- Encourage ideas from team members.
- Contribute to improving SOPs and operational systems.
Work Priorities
Priority 1 – Safety
Priority 2 – Customer Commitments
Priority 3 – Team Leadership
Priority 4 – Production Performance
Priority 5 – Continuous Improvement
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Leadership
- Team attendance and engagement.
- Training completion.
- Reduced reliance on senior management.
- Employee development.
Production
- Production targets achieved.
- Labour productivity.
- Schedule adherence.
- Efficient workflow.
Warehouse
- Picking accuracy ≥99%.
- On-time dispatch.
- Warehouse presentation standards.
Safety
- Zero Lost Time Injuries.
- Toolbox meetings completed.
- Housekeeping audit results.
- Safe equipment usage.
Quality
- First-pass quality.
- Reduced rework.
- Customer complaints relating to warehouse and production.
Continuous Improvement
- Improvement initiatives implemented.
- Productivity improvements achieved.
- Team suggestions adopted.
Decision-Making Authority
May Decide
- Daily labour allocation.
- Production sequencing within approved plans.
- Task prioritisation throughout the day.
- Coaching and day-to-day performance feedback.
- Immediate operational problem solving.
- Hands-on intervention to maintain customer commitments.
Must Consult
Warehouse Planning & Logistics Coordinator regarding:
- Changes to operational priorities.
- Resource shortages.
- Delivery impacts.
- Significant planning changes.
Technical Advisor regarding:
- Product quality concerns.
- Technical manufacturing issues.
- Non-conformances.
- Equipment or process improvements.
Operations Manager regarding:
- Formal performance management.
- Staffing changes.
- Overtime approvals.
- Major operational risks.
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Minimum 3–5 years' experience in warehouse, manufacturing or production.
- Previous experience leading or mentoring a team.
- Strong practical manufacturing and assembly skills.
- Demonstrated ability to coach and train others.
- Forklift Licence (LF).
- Strong communication and organisational skills.
- Commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement.
Desirable
- Experience with SAP Business One or similar ERP systems.
- Lean Manufacturing or 5S knowledge.
- Educational or commercial furniture manufacturing experience.
- First Aid qualification.
- Handyman / Carpentry / Cabinet Making / Joinery / Business Ownership experience.
Personal Attributes
The successful candidate will:
- Lead by example.
- Take ownership.
- Build trust through consistency.
- Be calm under pressure.
- Enjoy coaching and developing people.
- Be practical, organised and solutions-focused.
- Communicate openly and respectfully.
- Take pride in quality workmanship.
- Encourage teamwork and continuous improvement.
Career Progression
Level 1 – Warehouse & Production Leading Hand
Salary Guide: $80,000–$90,000 + Super
Primary Focus
Leading the daily execution of warehouse and production activities while developing frontline leadership capability.
Key Question
"How do I help my team deliver exceptional work today while building their capability for tomorrow?"
Level 2 – Production Manager
Salary Guide: $95,000–$110,000 + Super
Primary Focus
Leading the production function by improving productivity, manufacturing quality, workforce capability and production systems.
Additional Responsibilities
- Production planning oversight.
- Manufacturing process optimisation.
- Production KPI management.
- Capacity planning.
- Workforce development.
- Production budgeting.
- Continuous improvement leadership.
- Supporting new product introduction into production.
Key Question
"How do we manufacture better, safer and more efficiently every month?"
Level 3 – Warehouse & Production Manager
Salary Guide: $110,000–$135,000 + Super
Primary Focus
Leading the entire warehouse and production operation to deliver safe, efficient and customer-focused outcomes.
Additional Responsibilities
Everything from Levels 1 and 2 plus:
- Warehouse and production strategy.
- Leadership of Warehouse Planning & Logistics, Inventory Control and Production teams.
- Operational budgeting and resource planning.
- Warehouse layout and capacity planning.
- DIFOT performance and operational reporting.
- Recruitment and succession planning.
- Major operational improvement projects.
- Cross-functional collaboration with Sales, Purchasing and Logistics.
- Building a culture of operational excellence aligned with The VE Way.
Key Question
"How do I build a warehouse and production operation that consistently exceeds customer expectations while developing great people?"
Pay: $80,000.00 – $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Travel reimbursement
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Mulgrave VIC: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
Application Question(s):
- What are your core values?
- How do you contribute to a positive workplace?
- What do you need to enjoy your workplace?
Education:
- Bachelor Degree (Preferred)
Experience:
- similar: 5 years (Required)
Language:
Licence/Certification:
- Forklift Licence (Required)
Work Authorisation:
Work Location: In person
