Here at Wallaby Foods, we are entering an exciting new era.

Based in our purpose-built facility in the beautiful hills of Murwillumbah, we're a proud Northern Rivers snack company on a mission to prove that delicious and wholesome can be the same thing. Our mantra, Made From Good, speaks not only to the ingredients that go into our products, but to the way we do business, support our team, and show up every day.

Following significant growth over the past 12 months, we're looking for an experienced Operations Manager to spearhead overall performance, compliance and efficiency of Wallaby Foods operations. This role spans production outcomes, procurement, inventory, and food safety governance. This role sets the operational strategy and targets, owns procurement and supply continuity, and holds the Production Manager accountable for protected, compliant, on-target execution on the floor. It is the key point of operational leadership and escalation for the business, reporting performance and risk, reporting directly to the GM.

Operations Manager

Key Responsibilities

Operations Leadership & Strategy

- Own overall operational performance across production, quality, and supply chain, setting targets for Safety, Quality, Cost, and Delivery (SQCD) and holding the Production Manager accountable to them
- Act as the primary escalation point for operational risks, cross-functional constraints, and issues the Production Manager cannot resolve at floor level
- Develop and maintain operational policies, procedures, and manuals across the business
- Own HACCP certification and the annual recertification process, with the Production Manager responsible for day-to-day HACCP/GMP compliance on the floor
- Ensure business-wide compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and food safety standards

Procurement & Supply Chain

- Own purchasing and procurement of raw materials, packaging, and ingredients — ensuring cost efficiency, quality, and continuity of supply
- Source, negotiate, and manage supplier contracts, pricing, and terms




- Monitor ingredient and packaging cost trends and identify efficiency or substitution opportunities
- Ensure the Production Manager has visibility of incoming materials and lead times to support production planning

Inventory & Demand Planning

- Own strategic inventory management across finished goods, raw materials, and packaging — maintaining optimal stock levels and avoiding excess stock or write-downs
- Set and own DIFOT targets and performance with major retail customers (Coles, Woolworths), partnering with the Sales & Operations Coordinator on portal administration and day-to-day execution
- Lead production and demand planning in line with sales forecasts and confirmed customer orders

People Leadership

- Directly manage, coach, and performance-manage the Production Manager
- Partner with the Production Manager on workforce planning for the production team — headcount, budget, and resourcing decisions
- Build a culture of accountability, operational discipline, and continuous improvement across the business

Cross-Functional Collaboration

- Partner with the Sales & Operations Coordinator on retailer administration, DIFOT execution, and inventory data accuracy
- Work with the Company Accountant on cost control, budgeting, and financial reporting related to operations
- Liaise with certification bodies, auditors, and regulators as required
- Proactively communicate operational risks, delays, and constraints to the GM

Reporting & Performance Management

- Report on operational KPIs (SQCD, DIFOT, inventory, procurement cost/savings) to the GM
- Provide regular visibility on production performance, procurement status, and compliance standing
- Support continuous improvement initiatives to improve yield, cost, and delivery performance





Capabilities, Experience & Qualifications

Essential Experience

- 5+ years' experience in an operations leadership role within food manufacturing or FMCG
- Experience operating within a HACCP and GMP-controlled facility
- Experience owning procurement or supply chain functions, including supplier negotiation
- Track record of managing DIFOT performance with major retailers (Coles/Woolworths highly regarded)
- Experience managing and developing manager-level direct reports

Skills & Capabilities

- Strong commercial and financial acumen — budgeting, cost control, margin awareness
- Ability to balance strategic oversight with hands‑on problem-solving when needed
- Strong stakeholder management across production, sales, finance, and external partners
- Data-driven approach to performance monitoring and decision‑making
- Clear, confident communicator able to elevate and resolve issues at pace

Qualifications (Preferred)

- Degree or Diploma in Operations Management, Supply Chain, Food Science, or related field
- HACCP certification (or willingness to obtain)
- Training in Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement methodologies

Why Join Wallaby?

We're small but mighty.

As a close-knit team, we work collaboratively, support one another and genuinely enjoy what we do.

This is an opportunity to join a growing Australian food business at an exciting stage of its journey. You'll have real ownership over your role and be part of a business where your contribution genuinely makes a difference.

In return, we offer:

- A supportive and down-to-earth team culture
- Brand new office and manufacturing facility
- Opportunity to grow and develop with the business
- Free tea, coffee, fruit and snacks
- Monthly allocation of delicious Wallaby products
- A beautiful workplace nestled in the Murwillumbah hills

If you're looking for a role with variety, career progression opportunities and the chance to be part of something exciting, we'd love to hear from you.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Operations Manager (Murwillumbah)
🏢 Byron Bay Superfoods
📍 Murwillumbah