Production Manager

About The Farmer Group

The family-owned and operated Farmer Group, consists of Virginia Farm Produce (the packer) and Kangaringa Station (the grower). Renowned as one of Australia's largest producers of ware potatoes, the company operates across more than 85,000 acres. Our diverse horticultural operations include the growing and marketing of potatoes, onions, livestock, almonds, and broadacre crops. Our produce is distributed nationally across Australia and is a recognisable brand in international markets.

About this opportunity

We are seeking a results-driven and strategically minded Production Manager to lead our team at our Virginia-based facility. This role is responsible for overseeing the potato and onion packing operations while mentoring supervisors and staff to ensure smooth daily operations and long-term improvement.

The ideal candidate will be hands-on, adaptable in a fast-paced environment, and passionate about driving performance and operational excellence. A key focus will be on improving production efficiency, reducing downtime and waste, and fostering strong communication and leadership across teams.

Key Responsibilities:

Oversee day-to-day production operations, ensuring adherence to quality, safety, and compliance standards.

Collaborate with the Operations Manager to deliver on operational targets and KPIs.

Lead continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve product quality.

Manage and mentor Production Supervisors, Machine Operators, and Forklift Drivers to build a culture of accountability and teamwork.

Ensure equipment is operated and maintained effectively, resolving issues proactively.

Develop and maintain accurate production schedules.

Oversee stock control and inventory rotation.

Monitor and report on production KPIs, including safety, quality, DIFOT (Delivery in Full, On Time), and productivity.

Promote seamless communication between production, logistics, QHSE, and farming teams.

Skills & Experience:

Minimum 5 years’ experience as a Production Manager in an FMCG or food manufacturing environment.

Strong leadership and people management capabilities, with experience overseeing teams of 20+ staff.

Hands-on experience working with short shelf-life food products.

Proven ability to coach and develop high-performing teams.

Effective multitasking and decision-making in high-pressure environments.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Strong working knowledge of HACCP and food safety compliance.

Why Join Us?

At The Farmer Group, you’ll join a passionate team dedicated to quality and innovation. We offer a competitive salary, opportunities for professional development, and a supportive culture where your leadership can make a real impact.