ABOUT GFC

Dive into a sea of opportunities with Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-operative (GFC), where we’ve been making waves since 1950! Proudly 100% owned by our dedicated fishermen, GFC is all about supporting our members and their communities.

As the world’s largest processor of Western Rock Lobster, we handle around 70% of Western Australia’s commercial catch. That’s a lot of lobsters!

Our commitment to sustainability is rock solid, and we’re proud to be MSC certified, ensuring our practices protect the ocean for future generations.

About the role

Based primarily at our North Fremantle processing facility, this team leader position exists to help maximise returns to GFC’s members by overseeing the execution of processing activities including product lines such as

Lobster tails and lobster heads

Whole cooked and whole raw lobster

Split raw and split-cooked lobster.

Production Controllers are responsible for ensuring work is undertaken in a manner that is compliant with GFC’s policies, management systems and procedures. Some key competencies for this role are as follows:

Leadership

Communicate clearly, lead by example, and provide guidance and support to staff.

Address issues faced by production workers by identifying the root cause and implementing effective solutions. Follow up to ensure they work.

Take responsibility for all decisions, both successful and unsuccessful.

Safety

Fully understand the Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) and Task Cards for tasks and activities under their supervision.

Ensure all staff follow safety rules outlined in the JSAs and Task Cards.

Ensure all staff follow security rules according to GFC’s Known Consignor Security Program.

Hold pre-shift meetings to discuss tasks and expectations.

Identify and report hazards, incidents, and safety issues.

Address hazards immediately when possible.

Conduct Risk Assessments for special tasks and report safety concerns as needed

Undertake monthly site safety workplace inspections

Participate in monthly site safety investigations and hazard close-outs.

Quality

Have a complete understanding of Critical Control Points for food safety and product quality. Ensure that staff under their supervision are undertaking their tasks in a manner compliant with Critical Control Point actions to result in the best product quality outcomes.

Ensure that all required Compliance and Quality Assurance steps and data records are being undertaken.

Complete required system data entry and paperwork in line with defined workflow.

Ensure all staff under their supervision are working in compliance to quality controls identified in Task Cards.

Participate in product quality reviews

Promoting food safety culture

Productivity

Monitor and manage on-floor activities such that planned production rates, and target start/finish times, are being achieved.

Take action, where possible, to address activity that is slipping behind planned production rates. And/or escalate as soon as this is identified.

Ensure that staff under their supervision are being allocated breaks to achieve effective productivity outcomes.

Identify, and escalate, equipment items requiring maintenance or repair.

Participate in staff rostering in line with production plan

Oversee pre/post production clean up

Continuous Improvement

Identify areas for improvement – and escalate these as initiatives.

Respect

Treat staff with respect and courtesy.

Foster a supportive and positive work culture.

Recognise high-performing staff and address poor performance. Provide feedback (positive or negative) and manage according to GFC procedures.

What GFC looks for in employees.

GFC operates in a rapidly changing, highly seasonal business environment. Employees who can demonstrate adaptability and flexibility in their approach to work will thrive at GFC.

GFC is committed to the 7 Co-Operative principles, including a strong focus on member participation in all aspects of the business and concern for the community. We are looking for employees who understand and share these principles.

GFC teams operate across multiple sites up and down the WA coast, including Geraldton and Perth. Employees who can develop close and collaborative working relationships with others without regular face-to-face interaction will thrive at GFC.

GFC exists to generate sustainable economic value for members and other stakeholders. We welcome employees with a demonstrated ability to identify value opportunities and create value for the organisation and stakeholders.

What we are looking for in candidates

To ensure success in this role, you should hold the following skills and abilities.

Essential Abilities:

A ‘safety first’ mentality.

Open, honest and trustworthy.

Respectful of others.

High level of numeracy.

Highly articulate and literate – good written and verbal English.

High-level analytical skills.

Motivated by team and company success.

Problem solver; and

Focused on continual improvement.

Essential Experience

Hands-on experience in supervising a modern production operation – ideally in the food/manufacturing industry.

Experience in working under robust safety management systems;

Good people management skills;

Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships; and

Ability to engender trust and cooperation and to create a harmonious and productive workplace

Desirable Training

Tertiary qualifications in food science, production management, engineering, business management, aquaculture or related fields

Understanding of, and qualifications in, Six Sigma and/or Lean quality management processes

Understanding of SQF and 5S principles

Trained on Australian food legislation, regulations, and standards such as SQF, HACCP and GMP

How to apply

To apply for this role, please submit a short cover letter addressing the essential criteria and a CV resume detailing your most recent relevant work experience. Please ensure you apply online, as we cannot accept email applications.

If you have any questions about this role, please get in touch with our People and Culture team on [email protected].