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 templatesThese 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. It does not constitute legal, HR, or professional advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for advice specific to your business, workforce, or circumstances.
Manufacturing 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 — then pair them with rostering software once your team is hired.
Browse manufacturing job description templates
Click any role to view the full template and download as PDF
Assembly line worker
Production role assembling components on a production line. Maintains line pace, performs quality checks and keeps workstation organised.
Read moreCNC operator
Technical trades role setting up and operating CNC machines. Performs precision measurement, program adjustments and tool management.
Read moreFactory hand
Entry-level position performing general factory duties. Material handling, cleaning, machine feeding and supporting production workers.
Read moreMachine operator
Technical role setting up, operating and monitoring production machinery. Performs quality control, troubleshooting and routine maintenance.
Read morePacker
Entry-level role packing finished products. Applies labels, inspects quality, assembles packaging and prepares goods for shipping.
Read moreProcess worker
Production role operating process equipment and monitoring parameters. Follows batch recipes, prepares materials and maintains documentation.
Read moreProduction planner
Administrative role creating production schedules, analysing capacity, coordinating materials (MRP) and liaising between departments.
Read moreProduction supervisor
Leadership role supervising production teams. Manages scheduling, performance, quality oversight, safety compliance and production reporting.
Read moreProduction worker
Entry to mid-level production role operating machinery, performing quality checks, material handling and following safety procedures on the factory floor.
Read moreQuality controller
Technical role inspecting raw materials and finished products. Conducts testing, documents results and ensures compliance with quality standards.
Read moreWhat's included in these templates?
Every manufacturing job description template includes
All templates are fully editable and designed for Australian manufacturing industry compliance.
Who should use these templates?
These job descriptions are designed for Australian manufacturing businesses
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Award coverage for manufacturing workers
Most manufacturing workers are covered by the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020 (MA000010), 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 across classification levels from C14 (entry) to C1 (advanced trades/supervisory).
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.
The Manufacturing Award classifies employees into levels based on skills, qualifications and responsibilities: C14–C13 covers entry-level production employees, factory hands and packers with basic duties; C12–C10 covers experienced production workers, machine operators and process workers; C9–C7 covers technical employees, quality controllers, skilled operators and CNC operators; C6–C5 covers advanced technical, trades qualified, team leaders and supervisors; and C4–C1 covers advanced trades, technical specialists and senior supervisory roles. Ensure you correctly classify employees to meet award compliance, and use award interpretation software to calculate accurate pay rates.
Simplify manufacturing staff rostering and payroll
Once you've hired your team, manage them efficiently with RosterElf. Handle complex multi-shift rosters, calculate award rates automatically, track licence expiries, and simplify staff communication — all in one platform built for Australian manufacturing businesses.
Manufacturing job description FAQ
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A manufacturing job description sets out the duties, required skills, qualifications and working conditions for a role on the factory floor — such as a production worker, machine operator, CNC operator or production supervisor. A good one also notes the employment type, the applicable modern award (usually the Manufacturing Award 2020), the award classification level, and any safety requirements like PPE or licences. Our 10 free templates give you a compliant, Australia-specific starting point for each common manufacturing role.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Before you download
General information only — not legal advice
This document is a general HR template provided for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and may not reflect the latest changes in legislation or apply to every workplace situation. RosterElf Pty Ltd and the template provider accept no liability for any loss arising from reliance on this document. Users should seek independent legal advice and customise the template to ensure it complies with all relevant laws, awards and workplace requirements.