Excellence in manufacturing leadership
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Category Definition & Guidelines
To assist you with this application the judges have provided some guidelines.
When providing your answers, the “For Example”/guidelines we have suggested for each question are not intended to be exhaustive. They are designed as examples and prompts to help you understand the judges’ requirements. It is important that where you state that you have evidence in support of the specific question you are answering, you need to provide that evidence – usually, a generic brochure or company overview is not sufficient.
Download a category information guide here.
Additional Information
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Focus of the category
This award recognises individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership within the hunter manufacturing sector.
Through their leadership, nominees will have made a significant and positive impact on people, processes, and business outcomes. They may have led major business transformations, driven operational excellence, fostered strong and inclusive teams, or inspired innovation and strategic growth within their organisation and the broader manufacturing community.
Nominees may hold formal leadership roles, or they may have emerged as leaders through circumstance, passion, or their personal approach to work. Nominees can be employees at any level, and their leadership excellence may be demonstrated through a single body of outstanding work or through sustained performance over an extended period.
To assist with your application, the judges have provided guidance on the leadership qualities, styles, and behaviours that indicate excellence in leadership. These criteria are not exhaustive—they are offered as prompts to help you understand the judges’ expectations. Where you reference evidence in support of a particular criterion, please ensure it is clearly included.
Eligibility
Nominees must be employed within a manufacturing business located in the Hunter, Central Coast, or Mid North Coast regions. Their contributions should demonstrate excellence, courage, and influence in leadership, with a clear and lasting positive impact. Nominations are encouraged from within the manufacturing sector and the broader business community.
The method for collecting sufficient data to support the nomination is at the discretion of the nominator, but strong supporting evidence is essential.
Photographs, videos, and other documents may be included as attachments to the online application form—please label all files clearly.
Please use the leadership criteria as your guide and keep your written response to 750 words or fewer.
Manufacturing LEadership Award - Guidance
Describe how the nominee demonstrates excellence in any or all of the following areas:
- Vision and strategic direction
- Ability to inspire and motivate others
- Collaboration and team building
- Effective and transparent communication
- Leadership and management style
- Fostering creativity and innovation
- Living and promoting organisational values
- Encouraging / foresting a culture of diversity and inclusion
- Enhancing team and organisational culture
- Resilience and adaptability
Application Guide & tips
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