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.
About the Role:
Reporting to the Supply Chain & Operations Director, the Plant Manager will:
- 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.
- Ability to 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.
- Extensive senior operations leadership experience, overseeing large-scale manufacturing teams, ideally within food or beverage production environments.
- Commercially astute, with the ability to interpret financials and identify key cost drivers to optimise manufacturing performance.
- Ability to build high-performing leadership teams that drive cultural and operational transformation.
- Capability across both tactical and strategic operations, enabling effective day-to-day management while driving long-term improvement initiatives.
- Ability to influence and engage a range of stakeholders within a complex organisation, including senior leaders and executives.
- Strong background in continuous improvement, with hands-on application of LEAN, Six Sigma, and root cause analysis tools like 5 Whys.
To apply online, please click on the apply function. Alternatively, please reach out to Chadé Cupit-Love on ccupitlove@sharpandcarter.com.au
