Keller Australia is the world's largest geotechnical engineering contractor. For over 60 years, we have delivered industry-leading foundation and ground improvement solutions to the building, infrastructure and mining sectors across Australia.
Our people, plant and equipment are critical to our success, and we are looking for an experienced Yard Leading Hand to join our Plant & Workshop team in Lawnton, QLD.
About the Role
Reporting to the Workshop Manager, the Yard Leading Hand is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the yard and workshop, ensuring plant, equipment and materials are prepared, maintained and dispatched safely and efficiently.
This hands-on leadership role is responsible for coordinating daily yard activities, supporting workshop operations and ensuring all equipment leaving the yard is fit for purpose and transported in accordance with Chain of Responsibility (CoR) legislation. You will lead by example, promoting a strong safety culture while ensuring high standards of quality, compliance and operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
Health, Safety & Environment
Lead by example and promote a strong culture of health, safety and environmental compliance
Ensure all work is completed in accordance with Keller HSEQ policies, procedures and relevant legislation
Maintain effective yard traffic management and safe segregation of people, plant and equipment
Ensure lifting operations comply with relevant standards and regulations
Verify operators hold the appropriate high-risk licences, including forklift, crane and rigging where required
Report and investigate incidents, hazards and near misses
Yard & Workshop Operations
Oversee daily yard activities, including receivals, dispatch, loading, unloading and storage
Coordinate the movement and allocation of forklifts, cranes and other yard equipment
Ensure plant and equipment are inspected, prepared and ready for mobilisation in accordance with project requirements and packing lists
Conduct pre-start inspections on yard equipment and report defects promptly
Manage workflow priorities to meet project delivery schedules
Maintain organised storage areas for equipment, materials and spare parts
Work closely with project teams to ensure equipment is available when required
Quality & Compliance
Ensure all work is completed to a high standard of quality
Identify and report non-conformances to the Workshop Manager
Maintain accurate records, including:
Yard inspections
METS documentation
Equipment registers
Fuel usage records
Daily diaries
Humanforce timesheets (where applicable)
Calibration records
Ensure compliance documentation is completed accurately and on time
Leadership
Supervise and support Yard and Workshop personnel
Allocate daily work and monitor productivity
Lead toolbox talks, pre-start meetings, safety briefings and inductions
Foster a collaborative team environment focused on safety, quality and continuous improvement
Identify opportunities to improve yard efficiency while maintaining compliance and safety standards
About You
To be successful in this role, you will be a proactive leader with strong organisational skills and experience working in a busy plant, workshop or construction yard environment.
You will ideally have:
Minimum 2 years' experience in a yard or workshop environment
Previous experience leading or supervising a small team
Experience working with heavy construction plant and equipment (piling or ground improvement equipment highly regarded)
Strong understanding of Chain of Responsibility (CoR) requirements
Sound knowledge of Workplace Health and Safety legislation and safe lifting practices
Current Australian Driver's Licence
Current LF Forklift Licence (essential)
High Risk Work Licences (Crane, Rigging or Dogging) highly regarded
Excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills
A proactive approach with a commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement
Why Join Keller?
Join the world's largest geotechnical engineering contractor
Stable, full-time position based in Lawnton
Leadership opportunity within a highly skilled Plant & Workshop team
Ongoing training and career development
Competitive remuneration and employee benefits
Work for a company that genuinely values safety, teamwork and excellence
We are committed to attracting, developing, and retaining the right people who are highly competent, live our values and actively contribute to our long-term success.
Keller Australia is an equal opportunity employer, and we support diversity in our workforce. Applications from people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; equity target groups including women, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTI+; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged to apply.
To find out more about us, visit www.keller.com.au
Yard Leading Hand employer: Keller
Keller Australia is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. Located in Braeside VIC, the company provides its Senior Design Engineers with opportunities to engage in innovative projects while enjoying a flexible working environment and strong career progression pathways. With a commitment to health and safety, as well as a focus on sustainability, Keller fosters a supportive atmosphere where employees can thrive and contribute meaningfully to impactful engineering solutions.
