Talent Right AUS Looking for Projects & Operations Lead at Hamilton, Waikato, New Zealand Full Time

Aurora Process Solutions, a leader in industrial automation and packaging solutions, is seeking a highly capable Projects & Operations Lead to drive project execution and operational efficiency. This newly created role based at Head Office in Hamilton offers a rare opportunity to build and lead high-performing teams while optimizing processes, systems, and project management structures. If you thrive in delivering high-impact projects and transforming operations, this is the role for you.

The Company:

At Aurora, our core purpose is to “Engineer a Positive Difference” in the lives of others. We combine this passion with expertise in engineering to develop innovative industrial packaging automation solutions, empowering our customers with confidence to grow. We serve a diverse range of process industries across New Zealand & Australia, including grain & seed, food & dairy, stock-feed, fertilizer, mining, FMCG & logistics. Their equipment, consumables and services increase customers capability, efficiency and versatility aiming to increase production and up-time, reduce the need for manual labour and improve accuracy and presentation whilst reducing wastage costs.

The Role:

This is a leadership role that will predominantly utilise your Project Management expertise but will also involve some general operational management responsibilities. You will take full responsibility for project delivery functions and transform the current project management structures, streamlining for best practice and improving overall efficiency.

Due to exciting sales growth, driving an expanding project pipeline, this role is critical in ensuring seamless project execution, operational scalability, and continuous improvement. As Aurora continues to grow, there is the need for increased capability in the project management expertise within the organisation.

You will oversee the entire project lifecycle including design, sourcing, manufacturing, delivery, installation and commissioning therefore you will have direct reports who sit in all of those business units that will be under your supervision and direction.

You will be tasked with managing both internal business projects and external customer projects, ranging from small scale operational improvements to large-scale multi-million-dollar industrial packaging automation system projects, you will have the ability to scale up and down depending on the needs of your stakeholders.

You will participate in sales presentations to potential customers, representing the operations and project function to build confidence and ensure alignment with client expectations and project feasibility, your input will be critical prior to signing off on new work.

Whilst this role requires you to be based onsite at Head office in Hamilton you will from time to time be required to visit client sites at the start or completion of projects and this role may also occasionally require travel to Australia as the business builds their presence and capability across New Zealand and beyond.

Key Tasks & Deliverables:

• Enhance operational and project efficiency, ensuring structured scalability and optimized performance across all functions.
• Lead and oversee multiple concurrent projects, ensuring effective prioritization, resource allocation, and seamless execution for both small- and large-scale industrial automation projects.
• Standardize and refine project management processes, developing and implementing best-practice execution frameworks from initiation to completion.
• Transform business processes and systems, implementing Lean methodologies, workflow automation, and performance optimization across projects and operations.
• Optimize supply chain, production workflows, and project timelines, ensuring efficiency, risk mitigation, and improved project delivery methodologies.
• Ensure accurate resource management, strategically allocating staff, contractors, and materials within budget to maximize project success.

Why Aurora?

• Unlock Unparalleled Rewards: You will enjoy a competitive salary, performance bonuses and other benefits such as birthday & anniversary leave, and participation in company profit share scheme.
• Forge Your Career Path: You will play a key part in the growth of the business and have the opportunity to advance your career or even become a shareholder.
• Invest in Yourself: Aurora allocate ample budgets for learning and skill-building so you will enjoy enhancing your expertise as you progress in your role.
• Impact Lives: Your work at Aurora will go beyond business, engineering solutions transform industries and communities, making a real difference.
• Join a Positive Team: Be part of a positive, friendly, and innovative team that value trust, creativity, and collaboration.

If are a seasoned Project Manager with sound operational understanding, then this role could be an exciting challenge and enable you to contribute to Aurora’s mission of engineering a positive difference!

To apply please submit your cover letter outlining your suitability for the role and a resume to Emily Wheeldon (Regional Recruitment Manager)