Warehouse Manager

About the Opportunity

This position is based in Cairns and leads the warehouse’s daily operations. The role focuses on fixing long-standing issues that affect safety, stock accuracy, customer service, and overall efficiency.

It is a practical leadership role for someone who can steady an underperforming operation, strengthen team capability and culture, and guide a broader review of the warehousing function. A major part of the job is creating and delivering a clear improvement plan so the warehouse becomes dependable, scalable, and aligned with wider business goals.

About Austal

Austal is an Australian global shipbuilder, defence prime contractor, and maritime technology partner. The company designs, builds, and supports defence and commercial vessels for major operators, with operations in Australia, the USA, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

Its In-Service Support division handles everything from routine servicing and preventive maintenance to complex system overhauls, covering the full life of a vessel. Austal combines original design knowledge with operational experience to deliver cost-effective maintenance that meets customer needs.

With a strong shipbuilding background and an international supply chain, the business helps keep fleets mission-ready and performing at their best throughout their service life.

This role offers the chance to contribute to work of national importance.

What you will do

• Oversee warehouse activities from end to end, making sure receiving, storage, picking, dispatch, and inventory control are carried out safely, compliantly, and efficiently.
• Take direct responsibility for stabilising operations by finding and resolving the root causes of poor warehouse performance and unreliability.
• Put standard operating procedures and work instructions in place, and make sure they are followed to improve consistency and discipline.
• Lift inventory accuracy and traceability by setting up cycle counting routines and reinforcing stock control methods.
• Protect ERP data integrity, including systems such as IFS, by ensuring inventory movements are recorded accurately and on time.
• Use root cause analysis and corrective action planning to reduce repeated stock variances and process waste.
• Develop warehouse staff through coaching, mentoring, and clear role and KPI expectations.
• Create a culture built on accountability, ownership, safety, and ongoing improvement at every level of the warehouse.
• Lead process-improvement work using Lean methods, visual management, and collaboration with other functions to improve throughput and service performance.
• Carry out strategic warehouse reviews and help shape transformation plans covering capability building, system upgrades, and compliance with WHS and governance obligations.

Requirements

• Proven background in warehouse operations, including leadership or supervisory responsibility.
• Current forklift licence.
• Valid driver’s licence.
• Ability to meet the requirements for a Defence Security Clearance.

Why join

• A competitive pay and benefits package.
• Access to professional development and training.
• A supportive, energetic workplace.
• Opportunities to progress as the organisation grows.

Additional information

Austal is committed to a safe and inclusive workplace. The company encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from all backgrounds, all age groups, people of every sexual orientation, people with disability, and veterans to apply.