Leading Hand

Job title : Leading Hand
Location : Melbourne
Job type : Permanent or Full Time
Contact name : Nicole Tianihad
Job reference : 1722715
Why should you apply?

Leading Hand opportunity within a well-established manufacturing business, leading a small workshop and maintenance team in a highly hands-on environment. This role offers a strong blend of technical work and leadership responsibility, suited to a mechanically minded leader who enjoys being on the tools while driving team performance.

About the Role

Reporting to the Engineering Manager, this position will oversee the day-to-day coordination of a small workshop team while remaining actively involved in mechanical maintenance, breakdown support, and repair activities.

This is not a purely supervisory role - the successful candidate will lead from the floor, providing technical guidance, mentoring apprentices and trades, and ensuring maintenance activities are completed safely, efficiently, and to a high standard.

Location: Melbourne Western Suburbs

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead daily workshop and maintenance operations within a manufacturing environment.
  • Allocate work, monitor progress, and ensure maintenance tasks are completed to required quality and safety standards.
  • Remain hands-on with mechanical maintenance, diagnostics, breakdowns, and repair work.
  • Support and mentor workshop staff, including apprentices and tradespeople.
  • Assist with scheduling maintenance activities alongside the Engineering function.
  • Manage workshop inventory, parts ordering, and stock control to minimise downtime.
  • Support troubleshooting across mechanical and hydraulic systems.
  • Coordinate contractors and external technicians when required.
  • Maintain accurate maintenance and service records.
  • Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with WHS procedures.
The ideal candidate for this position will have experience in the following
  • Trade qualification in Mechanical, Fitting & Turning, Machining, or similar discipline.
  • Previous experience in a Leading Hand, Supervisor, or senior workshop position.
  • Strong mechanical fault-finding and repair capability.
  • Hydraulics experience is essential.
  • Experience working within manufacturing, industrial, or workshop environments.
  • Exposure to parts ordering, inventory management, and workshop coordination.
  • Strong communication and people leadership skills.
  • Ability to mentor apprentices and junior tradespeople.
To apply online, please click on the apply function. Alternatively, for a confidential discussion, please contact Nicole Tianihad on  ntianihad@sharpandcarter.com.au