Assistant Production Manager – Permanent | Hindmarsh, SA
$95k–$107k + super + 10% KPI bonus | 06:00–14:45 | In office

This is a true 2IC production leadership role with real scope (~50 headcount) and a clear succession / progression pathway. You’ll be visible on the floor, driving safety, delivery and continuous improvement in a stable operation with ongoing investment.

About the role
We’re seeking an Assistant Production Manager to support the Production Manager in running day-to-day production operations, driving efficiency, quality, and on-time delivery. This is a hands-on, floor-based leadership role where you’ll work closely with supervisors and cross-functional leaders to deliver strong customer outcomes while maintaining safety, compliance, and continuous improvement standards.

Who this suits
This role is best suited to a current Assistant Production Manager (or equivalent 2IC in production) with proven experience leading teams in a manufacturing/production environment (FMCG highly regarded). You’re an extroverted, relationship-first leader with high energy and a growth mindset—comfortable building trust on the floor and lifting standards through others.

Please note: this position is not designed as a first-time leadership step-up; we’re looking for someone already operating at Assistant Production Manager / 2IC level.

Team & environment

- Leadership scope of ~50 reports (direct/indirect) including 5 team leaders
- Some overtime may be required during peak periods

Key responsibilities

- Plan and schedule daily production to achieve on-time, in-full delivery and quality standards
- Coordinate labour planning, rostering/scheduling, and labour forecasting to match production needs
- Monitor performance data and coach teams to achieve daily efficiency and quality targets




- Support and lead Lean/CI ways of working and continuous improvement on the floor (including 5S)
- Apply and maintain HACCP principles, ensuring non-conformances are controlled and corrective actions are completed
- Partner with Service/Customer teams to ensure customer feedback is actioned promptly and service excellence targets are met
- Assist with recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management for production staff (including engagement with agencies as required)
- Work with Engineering to align equipment uptime, maintenance schedules, and production requirements
- Ensure compliance with WHS policies, procedures, and reporting requirements (including payroll-related timelines where relevant)

About you (must-haves)

- Proven capability in rostering/scheduling and labour forecasting within production/manufacturing
- Strong people leadership: coaching, performance management, and leading team leaders
- Sound understanding of production operations and service/quality delivery
- Exposure to budgeting / labour cost control
- Confident engaging with recruitment partners/agencies to meet workforce demand
- Strong commitment to safety and legal/WHS compliance
- Intermediate Microsoft Office skills (Excel desirable)
- Current driver’s licence

Highly regarded

- Lean / Continuous Improvement tools including 5S
- Systems exposure: SAP / XCM
- Experience with Spindle (laundry operations / workforce software)

What’s on offer

- $95k–$107k + super + 10% KPI bonus
- Permanent full-time role with a stable employer and strong job security
- Internal progression culture, succession planning intent, and tailored development programs
- Facility upgrades/investment and a supportive team workplace focused on safety, quality, and continuous improvement
- Early shift pattern supporting work/life balance

Pre-employment checks may include reference checks and other role-relevant compliance requirements.

📌 Assistant Production Manager (Bowden)
🏢 Chandler Macleod
📍 Bowden