The Role
Leads the design and continuous improvement of vehicle reconditioning systems, production processes, facility layouts, workflows, and operating models. Applies Lean Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering principles to improve safety, quality, productivity, capacity, and scalability. Develops standard work, labor and capacity models, quality controls, training frameworks, and technical documentation while partnering with operational, engineering, technology, and frontline teams.
Summary Generated by Built In
At Carma, we’re more than just a car company, we’re on a mission to shake up the Australian automotive industry! As a digital pre-owned car dealership, we’re turning the car buying (and selling!) experience into a hassle-free, seamless journey that customers can truly enjoy. With our diverse and collaborative team managing everything from engineering to marketing and buying to reconditioning in-house, we’re powered by the best people and we’d love for you to come along for the ride!
As our Senior Process Engineering Manager, you’ll take ownership of the systems, processes and operating models that underpin our vehicle reconditioning operations. Lean Manufacturing principles are fundamental to how Carma operates, and you’ll lead the thinking behind how we make our production environments safer, more efficient, higher quality and ready to scale.
Starting with our vehicle operations, you’ll work closely with our Production, Technical and Operational leaders to understand how things work today, challenge what could work better, and design the blueprint for how Carma operates tomorrow.
This isn’t a role about simply documenting processes. You’ll be designing them, improving them and helping shape the way Carma scales.
What you'll be doing:
- Design the blueprint for future Carma production facilities, including layouts, workstation design, production flow, WIP management and material movement
- Lead the design and continuous improvement of the systems, processes and operating models that underpin our vehicle reconditioning operations
- Apply Lean Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering principles to improve safety, quality, productivity, consistency and efficiency
- Identify bottlenecks, waste and opportunities for improvement through value stream mapping, root cause analysis, process analysis and continuous improvement
- Develop standard work, production standards and operating processes that can be replicated across multiple sites
- Build labour models, production capacity models and workforce planning assumptions to support future growth
- Use data and operational insight to understand throughput, capacity, utilisation and performance, and turn those insights into practical improvements
- Design and optimise production workflows and facility layouts using CAD or equivalent software
- Develop training frameworks, competency matrices and onboarding approaches that support consistent capability across production teams
- Research and recommend equipment, tooling and technology that can improve operational performance
- Partner with Engineering and Technology teams to evolve Carma’s production systems and manufacturing technology
- Develop quality assurance processes and production controls to ensure consistent delivery standards
- Assess ergonomic and safety opportunities and incorporate these into workplace and process design
- Work directly with operational leaders and frontline teams to test, implement and continuously improve the processes you design
- Create the technical documentation and operating standards required to replicate successful operations as Carma grows
Okay, let's talk about you:
- Extensive experience in Process Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Lean Manufacturing or Operational Excellence within a high-variability production environment
- A proven track record of designing and implementing manufacturing systems, processes or operating models
- Strong practical knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles including standard work, value stream mapping, takt time, line balancing, waste elimination and continuous improvement
- Experience designing production layouts, workflows and facility operating models
- Strong analytical skills across capacity planning, labour modelling, production forecasting and operational performance
- You’re naturally curious and love getting into the detail to understand why something works the way it does — and how it could work better
- You’re comfortable challenging the status quo and influencing senior operational leaders to adopt better ways of working
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to work across Production, Technical, Engineering, Technology and People teams
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail
- Experience in automotive, FMCG, manufacturing, logistics, warehousing or another high-volume/high-variability production environment will be highly regarded
- Experience using CAD or similar facility/layout software is desirable
Job Benefits
- Play a key role in designing how Carma operates and scales as we continue to grow
- Work in a fast-growing, collaborative environment where your ideas can have a genuine impact
- Get the opportunity to work across operations, engineering, technology and people to solve interesting and complex problems
- Help shape future production facilities rather than simply inheriting an established operating model
- Our open plan office comes fuelled with fresh coffee, a snack stash for any craving, and Friday rooftop drinks to keep your energy in the fast lane!
- Sweet perks because, well, we’re a car business so $$ off Carma cars, parts, and NRMA cover to rev up your ride!
About
Who we areCarma was founded in 2021 with a bold vision to reinvent Australia’s pre-owned car experience for the better. The idea attracted multi-million dollar backing from investors, and Carma has grown exponentially ever since. We’ve sold thousands of cars and delighted countless customers, who love our innovative approach! In a short time, we’ve come a long way, named as one of the AFR’s Most Innovative companies, recognised in a number of prestigious awards – and the journey has only just begun.
Skills Required
- Extensive experience in Process Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Lean Manufacturing, or Operational Excellence within a high-variability production environment
- Proven track record designing and implementing manufacturing systems, processes, or operating models
- Strong practical knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles, including standard work, value stream mapping, takt time, line balancing, waste elimination, and continuous improvement
- Experience designing production layouts, workflows, and facility operating models
- Strong analytical skills in capacity planning, labor modeling, production forecasting, and operational performance
- Ability to understand operational details, identify improvement opportunities, and challenge existing processes
- Ability to influence senior operational leaders and drive adoption of improved ways of working
- Strong stakeholder management skills across Production, Technical, Engineering, Technology, and People teams
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail
- Experience in automotive, FMCG, manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, or another high-volume/high-variability production environment
- Experience using CAD or similar facility/layout software
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The Company
What We Do
Carma is creating the best way to buy and sell a pre-owned car in Australia.
