100% free manufacturing job description templates
Complete job description templates for Australian manufacturing businesses. Covering production, assembly, quality, technical and supervisory roles. Aligned with the Manufacturing and Associated Industries Award 2020. 100% free, fully editable and ready to download.
Browse templatesManufacturing job descriptions for australian businesses
Australia's manufacturing sector employs over 850,000 workers across food processing, metal fabrication, automotive, plastics, pharmaceuticals and general manufacturing. From entry-level factory hands to skilled CNC operators and production supervisors, the sector requires workers at every skill level.
Most manufacturing workers are covered by the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020 (MA000010), which sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates, and conditions based on classification levels from C14 (entry) to C1 (advanced).
These templates provide compliant, industry-standard job descriptions that you can customise for your business. Each template includes duties, required skills, qualifications, safety requirements and award classification guidance.
Browse manufacturing job description templates
Click any role to view the full template and download as PDF
Production Worker
Entry to mid-level production role operating machinery, performing quality checks, material handling and following safety procedures on the factory floor.
Machine Operator
Technical role setting up, operating and monitoring production machinery. Performs quality control, troubleshooting and routine maintenance.
Assembly Line Worker
Production role assembling components on a production line. Maintains line pace, performs quality checks and keeps workstation organised.
Quality Controller
Technical role inspecting raw materials and finished products. Conducts testing, documents results and ensures compliance with quality standards.
Production Supervisor
Leadership role supervising production teams. Manages scheduling, performance, quality oversight, safety compliance and production reporting.
Process Worker
Production role operating process equipment and monitoring parameters. Follows batch recipes, prepares materials and maintains documentation.
Packer
Entry-level role packing finished products. Applies labels, inspects quality, assembles packaging and prepares goods for shipping.
CNC Operator
Technical trades role setting up and operating CNC machines. Performs precision measurement, program adjustments and tool management.
Factory Hand
Entry-level position performing general factory duties. Material handling, cleaning, machine feeding and supporting production workers.
Production Planner
Administrative role creating production schedules, analysing capacity, coordinating materials (MRP) and liaising between departments.
Award coverage for manufacturing workers
Understanding which award applies to your manufacturing staff
Manufacturing award 2020
MA000010 is the primary award covering employees in manufacturing, production, processing and related industries. This includes production workers, machine operators, assemblers, packers, quality controllers, process workers and manufacturing supervisors.
The award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and conditions for manufacturing employees across classification levels from C14 (entry) to C1 (advanced trades/supervisory).
Shift work and penalties
Manufacturing operations often run multiple shifts. The award provides penalty rates for afternoon shifts (115%), night shifts (130%), Saturday (150%), Sunday (200%) and public holidays (250%). Casual employees also receive a 25% loading.
Shift allowances, overtime rates and other entitlements are detailed in the award. Use award interpretation software to ensure accurate pay calculations.
Classification levels under the manufacturing award
The Manufacturing Award classifies employees into levels based on skills, qualifications and responsibilities:
- C14-C13: Entry-level production employees, factory hands, packers with basic duties
- C12-C10: Experienced production workers, machine operators, process workers
- C9-C7: Technical employees, quality controllers, skilled operators, CNC operators
- C6-C5: Advanced technical, trades qualified, team leaders, supervisors
- C4-C1: Advanced trades, technical specialists, senior supervisory roles
Ensure you correctly classify employees to meet award compliance. Use award interpretation software to calculate accurate pay rates.
Who should use these templates?
These job descriptions are designed for Australian manufacturing businesses
Common manufacturing hiring challenges
Clear job descriptions help address these issues
Skills mismatch
Candidates without required machine operation skills
Shift expectations
Rotating shifts, nights and weekends unclear
Technical requirements
Machine types and technical skills needed
Pay expectations
Unclear classification levels and penalty rates
Physical demands
Standing, lifting and repetitive work unclear
Safety requirements
PPE, licences and safety training needs
Well-written job descriptions attract candidates who understand and want the role.
What's included in these templates?
Every manufacturing job description template includes
All templates are fully editable and designed for Australian manufacturing industry compliance.
Why clear job descriptions matter
Without clear job descriptions
- Unskilled candidates applying for technical roles
- Expectation mismatches about shift patterns
- Confusion about machinery and equipment used
- Time wasted on poor-fit interviews
With clear job descriptions
- Skilled candidates with relevant experience apply
- Clear understanding of shifts and work patterns
- Role expectations aligned from day one
- Faster, more efficient hiring process
Legal disclaimer
These templates are designed to reflect Australian workplace standards and manufacturing industry practices at the time of publication. They are provided as a general guide only and do not constitute legal advice.
You should review and tailor each template to suit your business, industry type, modern award, enterprise agreement and specific requirements. Always verify safety and licensing requirements for your state. For complex situations, seek independent legal or HR advice.
Why manufacturing job descriptions matter
Manufacturing work involves specific technical skills, safety requirements and physical demands. Clear job descriptions ensure candidates understand the machinery they'll operate, shift patterns they'll work, and safety training required. This helps attract suitable applicants and reduces workplace incidents.
The manufacturing sector has high turnover in entry-level roles. Well-structured templates help candidates self-select based on accurate role expectations, reducing turnover and improving retention of trained workers.
Whether you're hiring your first factory hand or expanding a large production team, these templates provide a professional, compliant foundation that saves time and improves hiring outcomes.
Manufacturing job description FAQ
- We provide 10 free manufacturing job description templates covering production workers, machine operators, assembly line workers, quality controllers, production supervisors, process workers, packers, CNC operators, factory hands and production planners. All templates include duties, skills, qualifications, and award classifications aligned with Australian manufacturing industry standards.
- Yes, manufacturing roles vary significantly in duties, skills and responsibilities. A factory hand has different requirements to a CNC operator or production supervisor. Our templates are tailored for each specific role while maintaining consistency with the Manufacturing Award 2020.
- Yes, all templates are fully editable. You should adjust duties to match your specific industry (food, automotive, plastics, etc.), add site-specific requirements, and tailor qualifications to your needs. The templates provide a compliant foundation to build from.
- Most manufacturing workers are covered by the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020 (MA000010). This award covers employees in manufacturing, production, processing and related industries. Some roles may fall under other awards depending on the specific industry or duties.
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