More information about the company:

Lead operations across a large-scale, multi-site manufacturing network within one of Australia’s leading food producers. Renowned for quality, innovation, and operational excellence, this organisation supplies a diverse product range to retail, food service, and wholesale markets. With a strong reputation built on customer focus, strategic investment, and award-winning performance, they remain at the forefront of their category.

Further details about the role:

Reporting to the Supply Chain & Operations Director, responsibilities as Plant Manager includes:

• Lead and support cross-functional operational teams spanning production, maintenance, warehouse & dispatch, sustainability, and safety to meet and exceed KPIs and productivity goals.
• Champion operational excellence by coaching the leadership team, driving change initiatives, and embedding a culture focused on high performance and continuous improvement.
• Design, implement, and sustain operational systems and training programs, ensuring workforce structures and labour planning are aligned with business needs.
• Develop and execute comprehensive improvement strategies across all operational areas, supported by clear, measurable KPIs.
• Collaborate with customers to resolve issues effectively, ensuring positive outcomes that benefit both the business and its clients.
• Provide hands-on leadership in advancing safety, sustainability, maintenance, and production performance.
• Regularly report on key operational metrics and embed a strong understanding of performance drivers across teams to foster a results-oriented culture.
• Work closely with site leadership to identify and address operational challenges, delivering practical and sustainable solutions.

The ideal experience includes:

• Extensive senior operations leadership experience, overseeing large-scale manufacturing teams (500+ staff), ideally within food production environments.
• Proven track record in building high-performing leadership teams that drive cultural and operational transformation.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to step back from day-to-day operations to deliver long-term business goals.
• Experienced in navigating complex organisational environments, engaging a wide range of stakeholders including senior executives, corporate clients, and private customers.
• Strong background in continuous improvement, with hands-on application of LEAN, Six Sigma, and root cause analysis tools like 5 Whys.
• Commercially astute, with the ability to interpret financials and identify key cost drivers to optimise manufacturing performance.

How to apply?

To apply online, please click on the apply function. Alternatively, please reach out to Chadé Cupit-Love on [email protected]