The Company

Our client is a highly successful, well-established organisation operating in the food manufacturing industry. With a strong reputation for product quality, operational excellence and a commitment to continuous improvement, they are a recognised leader in their field and have built a culture that values safety, innovation and people.

Located in centrally in Melbourne, their up-to-date facility operates at scale and continues to grow. They are now seeking an experienced and driven Manufacturing Manager to join their leadership team and play a key role in driving performance across their manufacturing operations.

The Role

Reporting to the Site / Plant Manager, this is a key leadership role responsible for driving performance, people and culture across a complex production area.

- Lead packaging operations across three shifts on a 24/5 roster, operating at both a strategic and operational level to set direction and deliver disciplined execution against output, quality and food safety
- Shape and build a high-performing team structure, coaching and developing shift supervisors and operators to create a culture of accountability, capability and engagement
- Lead the transformation of by designing and influencing future state across equipment, layout, CAPEX and operating model, underpinned by structured manufacturing systems, SOPs and operational routines
- Apply deep understanding of packaging dynamics to reduce losses and improve efficiency, owning key performance metrics including OEE, yield/waste and labour utilisation with regular reporting and corrective actions
- Identify and lead continuous improvement initiatives,



embedding lean manufacturing principles to drive consistent financial performance and overall operational excellence across the production area
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, GMP, HACCP and WHS requirements at all times, actively uplifting safety capability and standards across the plant
- Partner with maintenance, quality, and supply chain teams to optimise production scheduling
- Manage labour planning including rostering and casuals to meet operational demand within budget

Your Background

To be successful in this role, you will bring a combination of leadership capability and a genuine passion for operational excellence in a high speed food packaging environment.

- Tertiary qualification in Engineering, Food Science or a related discipline.
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in a team leadership or management role within a manufacturing environment.
- Prior experience in food or beverage manufacturing is highly regarded.
- Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Demonstrated ability to drive performance outcomes through data-driven analysis and root cause problem solving.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage and influence at all levels.
- High level of computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Proven ability to develop, coach and performance manage teams effectively.
- A self-starter with strong organisational skills and the ability to work autonomously in a fast-paced environment.

What’s On Offer

This is an excellent opportunity to join a market-leading dairy business in a senior operational leadership role, where you will be empowered to make a genuine impact, develop your career and be part of a high-performing, collaborative team culture.

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📌 Manufacturing Manager (Melbourne)
🏢 Sonder Executive
📍 Melbourne