General Manager

King Island Dairy | King Island, Tasmania

Lead the business. Build the team. Help shape the future of an iconic Australian cheese brand.

King Island Dairy is one of Australia’s best-known premium cheese brands, with a proud heritage and a unique connection to King Island. As a vertically integrated business with our own dairy farms, we bring together farming and cheesemaking, connecting the quality of our milk with the quality of our cheese.

Following its acquisition from Saputo in May 2025, the business is now independently and privately owned. We are building on that heritage through investment in our people, manufacturing capability, brand, systems and products.

We are seeking an experienced General Manager to lead the day-to-day business and work alongside the owner and Managing Director through the next phase of operational improvement and growth.

The opportunity

Reporting to the Managing Director, you will take primary responsibility for the day-to-day leadership and performance of King Island Dairy and participate in Board meetings, contributing to discussions on business performance, strategy and investment.

You will work in close partnership with the Managing Director, whose focus will increasingly shift towards transformation, capital investment, strategic projects and commercial development. With a substantial program of projects and growth opportunities ahead, we are strengthening our leadership team to deliver on the business’s potential. Together, you will ensure these initiatives translate into lasting improvements across the business.

This is a hands-on leadership role with genuine authority, broad responsibility and direct access to the owners.



It suits someone who enjoys improving a business while keeping daily operations running effectively.

The role is based on King Island and requires living and working on the island.

Key responsibilities

- Lead business performance: Take ownership of daily operations and delivery against agreed budgets, plans and priorities.

- Develop the management team: Set clear expectations, coach leaders and hold people accountable for decisions, actions and results.

- Coordinate the business: Align manufacturing, quality, supply chain, maintenance, finance, people, sales and commercial functions.

- Strengthen operating discipline: Improve planning, reporting, communication and follow-through so issues are identified early and resolved promptly.

- Improve financial outcomes: Manage costs, productivity, working capital and margins while protecting product quality and customer service.

- Build a strong culture: Encourage practical problem-solving, collaboration and pride in the business and its products.

- Deliver improvement: Work with the Managing Director to implement operational improvements, capital projects and growth initiatives.

- Uphold standards: Maintain a clear focus on workplace safety, food safety, quality and compliance.

About you

You are a practical, commercially minded leader who combines clear expectations with a supportive approach. You are comfortable being visible on the factory floor,



working through financial performance and having direct conversations about what needs to improve.

You bring

- Senior leadership experience in food manufacturing, dairy, FMCG or a similarly complex operational business.

- A track record of leading teams and improving operational and financial performance.

- Strong financial literacy and an understanding of the connection between production, inventory, customer service and profitability.

- The ability to turn business priorities into clear plans and see them through.

- Sound judgement, strong communication skills and the willingness to address difficult issues.

- A collaborative, low-ego approach and the confidence to work closely with an actively involved owner.

- A genuine interest in living on King Island and becoming part of the local community.

Experience in cheese or dairy manufacturing would be highly regarded, but is not essential.

Why join King Island Dairy?

- Make a visible difference: Your leadership will directly influence the performance and future of an iconic Australian brand.

- Help build the business: Shape the team, systems and operating practices of an independent business following its transition from multinational ownership.

- Work closely with the owners: Enjoy direct communication, genuine influence and the opportunity to turn decisions into action.

- Contribute to growth: Play a central role in manufacturing improvements, investment and new commercial opportunities.

- Build a life on King Island: Live and work in a distinctive island community surrounded by natural beauty, outstanding local produce and a solid sense of place.

Relocation assistance may be available for the successful candidate.

📌 General Manager (Loorana)
🏢 King Island Dairy 2
📍 Loorana