The Company

LAI Group is one of Australia’s largest switchboards and switchrooms manufacturers. With over 115 years of combined experience, we are a leader in the design and manufacture of custom switchboards and switchrooms in Australia.

As a result of continuous national growth, LAI Group is seeking a Workshop Manager to join our team at our head office in Adelaide (Ferryden park) within our newly created Skids Department to contribute to the growing Data Centre Industry. We would like team members who are excited about the opportunity to build a stable, rewarding, and lucrative career with us.

Schedule

Full-time Position.

A 38-hour week (Monday – Friday + reasonable overtime).

Wage (Negotiable - Experience, knowledge, and ability will be taken into consideration)

The Position

The Workshop Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of skid workshop operations, ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on time, and to the highest standards. Working closely with project management, procurement, and field service teams to coordinate resources, manage production schedules, and support successful project outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage all workshop activities associated with skid assembly, modification, refurbishment, testing, and dispatch.
Coordinate labour, materials, equipment, and workshop resources to meet project requirements and deadlines.
Ensure skid builds are completed in accordance with engineering drawings, specifications, quality standards, and customer requirements.
Monitor workshop productivity, project progress, and operational performance.
Lead, mentor, and develop workshop personnel, including tradespeople, apprentices, and contractors.
Promote and maintain a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with WHS legislation, company policies, and industry standards.
Conduct toolbox meetings, safety inspections, and performance discussions.
Manage workshop equipment, tools, inventory, and facilities.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, efficiency, and cost control.
Analyse blueprint drawings and conduct mark ups where required.
Maintain communication with the project team to provide a high-quality product.
Oversee and assist contractors on-site.
Analyse, communicate, and address non-conformities with the appropriate stakeholders.
Guide and promote a learning environment amongst the team.

The Candidate

The successful candidate would have experience leading a team of 20 -30 workers, understands the importance of managing workloads, and experience with achieving timeframes on medium to large scale projects.

Hold an Electrical Class A licence.
Previous experience in a Workshop Manager, Workshop Supervisor, Manufacturing Supervisor, or similar leadership role.
Experience within skids, electrical infrastructure, switchgear, transformers, fabrication, manufacturing, or heavy industrial environments.
Strong leadership and people management skills.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation.
Excellent planning, problem-solving, and organisational skills.
Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.
Troubleshoot to identify successful solutions when problems arise and conduct a lesson learnt.
Understands the importance of safe work practices and ensure a high-quality product.

Desirable Competencies:

Electrical testing experience.
Electrical trade qualification
Experience working on transformers/kiosks, modular buildings, substations, switchgear, or utility infrastructure projects.
Leadership, supervisory, or project management qualifications.

What we can offer:

LAI Group encourages a diverse and inclusive culture where your hard work and input does not go unnoticed. We work with our employees to help them reach their full potential, offering opportunities for training on specific courses that support their professional development. As a family-owned business, LAI Group treats every employee as a family member. From the moment you begin with LAI Group, you are a member of the family.

Paid training courses to contribute to your professional development (Forklift, EWP, Dogging, First Aid, Leadership/mental health awareness training, and LVR/CPR).
Office uniform
Onsite Snack bar
LAI Rewards – From your first day, you will have access to over 650 discounted retailers that can assist you and your family.
An easy-to-access Employee Assistance Program that has the support resources available to assist with your physical, mental, and financial health.
Banking benefits through our trusted workplace banking provider.
Corporate Private Health is available.
Spread of hours amended to assist with work-life balance.
Looking for stability and an organised workplace? LAI has projects in the pipeline, which strengthen the economy and enhance our workers' skills. Work scheduled hours at our facilities, with the option to do site work, whilst being well compensated.
Work for a company that respects you and your family's needs. Through open and honest communication, we support one another and work together to create a safer and more respectful workplace.

We look forward to finding the appropriate candidates to join our team here in Adelaide.

LAI Group is committed to Equal Employment Opportunities, Ethical Practices, and the principles of Cultural Diversity. We encourage applications from all members of the community, including people from indigenous backgrounds, women seeking non-traditional trade opportunities, and mature aged people.

Company Business Licence Number: PGE147810