We are a well-established FMCG manufacturer supplying national retailers and foodservice partners across Australia.
As our business continues to grow in scale and complexity, we are seeking a strong operational leader to join our production leadership team.This is a pivotal leadership role focused on ensuring the delivery of full production to the highest level.The OpportunityReporting to the Chief Operating Officer as a 2IC, you will take ownership of production performance across safety, quality, delivery to the plan and cost.
You will coach your direct leaders to lift team performance, ensuring consistent quality of the production output, while ensuring labour targets and operational discipline are met.This is a hands-on leadership role and requires a leader who is comfortable operating on the production floor where success will come from your ability to influence stakeholders, drive continuous improvement, and optimise plant performance.You will play a critical role in embedding and improving operational efficiency, minimising waste and delivering measurable business outcomes.
This role offers strong opportunities for career progression, including future leadership pathways as the Company continues to grow, with a 3rd site under development.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the factory team from the frontCoach and development your direct reports and support them to build their teams, including through succession planningDrive production performance across safety, quality, cost, and service outcomesTrack and report on production metrics including quality, labour, cost per ton, materials used and wasteImprove equipment performance and minimise downtime in partnership with maintenanceCollaborate cross-functionally with planning, warehousing, quality, retail,



maintenance and customer serviceStandardise best-practice production processes across operationsEstablish clear daily and weekly KPI governance rhythmsfor the factory production teamEnsure compliance with safety, food safety and regulatory requirementsBuild capability and accountability within the production teamsHave technical oversight and the ability to operate production machinery with a thorough understanding of equipment capabilities, troubleshooting, and front-end maintenanceRecruit, train, and develop production staff to build capability and a positive team cultureWhat Success Looks LikeWithin 12 months you will have:Developed leadership capability within your team and all levels of leaders in manufacturingDelivered measurable improvement in production KPI'sImproved labour efficiency and cost controlBuilt a stable, accountable production teamAbout YouYou like to face the challenge of up-to-date automation, enjoy making a real contribution, and getting genuine satisfaction from a job done well.A natural leader who builds capable, motivated teamsCommercial acumen with cost control capabilityAt least 5-10 years' experience in a leadership role within an FMCG environmentFamiliarity with food safety standards (HACCP, GMP) and WHS legislationComfortable working in a fast-paced, high-volume 24/7 manufacturing environmentSharp problem‐solver who reads the data and drives real improvementsFlexible - happy to step in and assist across all operational areas when neededComfortable operating and maintaining automated processing and packaging machineryWhat's In It for YouHigh‐impact leadership opportunity within a growing FMCG businessDirect influence on production performance and cost outcomesOpportunity to build and shape a solid production teamCompetitive salary packageSupportive and collaborative environmentApplicantsmustbe able to work in Australia without any ongoing work restrictions.Please note only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
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📌 Manufacturing Operations Manager (Melbourne)
🏢 Important Group
📍 Melbourne