Full-Time | Leadership Role | Long-Standing Australian Food Manufacturer

A well-established, family-owned Australian food manufacturer located in Lidcombe is seeking an experienced Senior Production Manager to lead and manage its production operations. This is a hands-on leadership role offering the opportunity to shape, improve, and drive performance in a busy and dynamic manufacturing environment. Our client specialises in manufacturing vegetable products and supplies Nationally into the Big 4 supermarkets as well as independent retailers.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Company Directors, the Senior Production Manager will be responsible for overseeing the end-to-end operations of the production team. You’ll lead a team including the Factory Supervisor, Leading Hands, and production staff, ensuring all production activities are completed efficiently, on time, and to the highest quality and safety standards.
Your role will be key in driving productivity, implementing lean manufacturing practices, mentoring staff, and ensuring compliance with food safety and WHS standards.

For You:

• Permanent role with Salary of $130k + Super (Negotiable)
• A stable, full-time position with a respected Australian food manufacturer.
• Direct impact on production outcomes and business performance.
• Supportive leadership and a collaborative team culture.
• Opportunity to drive real change and continuous improvement in a growing business.
• Free onsite Parking

The Role: Senior Production Manager
The Senior Production Manager is responsible for planning, scheduling, and organising team members to meet all production demands required. They will also assist the company Directors in Manufacturing and Quality Assurance processes in driving workplace health & safety, food safety & quality standards and continuous improvement throughout the manufacturing facility

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the daily operations of the production team to meet output, quality, and time requirements. (team of 20 staff)
• Apply lean manufacturing principles to boost efficiency and reduce waste.
• Plan and coordinate production schedules, resource allocation, and material requirements.
• Budgeting and forecasting of raw materials against production schedules
• Monitor and optimise production processes, ensuring efficient use of labour, equipment, and materials.
• Work closely with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of raw materials and packaging.
• Maintain accurate production documentation and ensure compliance with SQF and HACCP standards.
• Conduct stocktake and oversee inventory control including monitoring shelf life and best-before dates.
• Provide ongoing coaching and training to staff to enhance skills, productivity, and quality focus.

• Take initiative and provide a resolution to day today issues with the team, reporting any ongoing issues to the National Manager, Manufacturing.
• Ensure the timely repairs and effective maintenance of site equipment, in liaison with the maintenance team and ensure maintenance handback forms are completed in real time.
• Ensure the shift supervisors are trained on which operators can be allocated to which machine, ensuring only trained and authorised operators are permitted. Ensure shift supervisors have access to the training matrix as required.
• Check and ensure team members have been rostered in an efficient and cost-effective manner in line with the budget, also ensuring that only trained and authorised operators are allocated to machines. Refer to the training matrix as required.
• Ensure that monthly forecast is always up to date to reflect changes and decisions made by the business, and forward to the National Manager of Manufacturing for review and approval.
• Ensure the timely repairs and effective maintenance of site equipment, in liaison with the maintenance team and ensure maintenance handback forms are completed in real time.
• Conduct and lead a yearly stock take, delegating tasks to the team and compiling reports to ensure accurate accountability.
• Ensure proper maintenance and cleaning of machinery and adherence to hygiene standards.
• Manage team performance, conduct regular reviews, and support staff development.
• Maintain a safe working environment in line with company policies and WHS regulations.
• Ensure equipment (including testing devices and forklifts) is maintained and used correctly.
• Identify and resolve production issues quickly to minimise downtime.
• Collaborate with HR on staffing matters including leave, performance, and training records.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of processes and workplace culture.

About You
You will be Manager that leads by example. A true motivator that strives to develop your staff’s skillset and to accomplish goals as a team. You will come from the Food Manufacturing industry and have a wealth of HACCP and GMP knowledge and experience.
To be successful in obtaining this role you will also have the following experience:

Experience & Skills:

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a food manufacturing environment
• Tertiary qualifications in Engineering, Operations Management, Food Technology or a related field are highly desirable.
• Current LF Forklift License
• Strong knowledge of SQF, HACCP, GMP, and lean manufacturing practices.
• Ability to influence and motivate a team of operators within a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, meet tight deadlines, and deliver results, with a proactive and action-oriented approach
• Strong time management and organisation skills
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills
• Strong record of driving performance through Lean Manufacturing principles
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong understanding of WHS policies and procedures, and the ability to implement and lead team on safety
• Proficient and strong knowledge of all aspects of Food Safe/ HACCP environment including reporting
• Proven experience managing and mentoring diverse teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic computer literacy (Excel, Word, Outlook).

Attributes:

• Reliable, honest, and professional with a strong work ethic.
• Hands-on, proactive, and solution-focused approach.
• Ability to prioritise, delegate, and make informed decisions under pressure.
• Committed to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Capable of motivating teams and fostering a collaborative workplace culture.

Advantageous:

• Six Sigma qualifications
• An understanding of Lean Manufacturing
• A background in Engineering

If you are a seasoned leader with a strong background in food production and are ready to take ownership of a key operational role, and you are wanting to join a company passionate about quality, tradition, and innovation then hit APPLY now, alternatively email Mike on [email protected] with your resume.
At Fuse, we specialise in recruitment for the manufacturing industry and actively source a variety of roles for a broad range of manufacturers. If you are looking for a new opportunity, we’d love to hear from you!
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