General Manager

About the company

Pioneer Water Tanks has spent more than 35 years setting a benchmark in water storage through advanced engineering and technology. The business is fully Australian owned and operated, with complete oversight of its design and manufacturing standards to ensure every tank meets a high level of quality.

The company operates as part of Ahrens, a fifth-generation Australian family business with almost 125 years of history. Backed by a national organisation with strong capability in construction, engineering and rural infrastructure, Pioneer benefits from broader resources and expertise.

Becoming part of Pioneer Water Tanks means joining a wider group of more than 450 people in Western Australia and close to 2,000 nationwide, working within a collaborative culture that values diversity and high performance.

About the role

Pioneer Water Tanks is looking for an experienced, practical General Manager to oversee the daily running, growth and coordination of operations from the Bellevue office. Reporting to the Managing Director, this position is suited to someone with a strong background in manufacturing or agriculture, solid financial capability, strong budget control, and excellent leadership and people management skills.

Key responsibilities

You will be responsible for guiding commercial direction, improving operational performance, supporting people development, and strengthening business relationships across the organisation.

Strategy and commercial performance

• Set and deliver growth plans designed to achieve and exceed revenue and profit goals.
• Monitor and improve balance sheet results, with particular attention to debtor management and stock control.
• Develop short- and long-range business plans and advise on how resources should be allocated to meet business priorities.
• Partner with sales and marketing teams to implement initiatives that improve sales and commercial results.

Operations and manufacturing

• Assess manufacturing systems and workflows and lead improvement initiatives that lift efficiency.
• Keep operating schedules effective so procurement, production and construction can run on a just-in-time basis.
• Oversee day-to-day operations with a strong emphasis on safety, productivity and compliance.
• Build and manage a procurement approach that balances price, quality and delivery requirements.

Network and people

• Support a strong dealer network across Australia and international markets, and take action where performance falls short.
• Promote company culture in line with the values of the Ahrens Group.
• Coach and develop team members to support future leadership and succession planning.
• Work with HR to attract and retain capable employees who match business requirements.

About you

This role calls for someone who can combine commercial thinking with hands-on leadership and strong operational judgement.

Essential criteria

• A tertiary qualification in Business Management or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Prior experience in a similar leadership role within a manufacturing environment.
• A proven willingness to work in a practical, hands-on manner.
• Strong interpersonal abilities, including communication and negotiation.
• Solid knowledge of health and safety obligations, with demonstrated experience leading safe workplaces.
• Evidence of achieving performance targets in both sales and production.
• Understanding of building regulations and construction codes.

Desirable criteria

• Background in the water storage industry.
• Experience across manufacturing and construction environments.
• Exposure to managing a business operating nationally and internationally.

Benefits

• Access to an Employee Assistance Program for you and your family’s health and wellbeing.
• Discounts through leading corporate partners across private health insurance, gyms, travel, clothing, vehicles and other categories.
• Generous paid parental leave to support employees and their families.
• An annual employee donation scheme that lets you support a charity or cause of your choice.
• Opportunities for career advancement.

How to apply

Submit your resume and cover letter through the application process. For further information, contact Tracy Davidson by email at [email protected].

Equal opportunity statement

Ahrens and Pioneer Water Tanks are equal opportunity employers and value a diverse workforce. They are committed to an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all genders and from Indigenous candidates.