Are you an experienced Operations Manager looking to take ownership of a fast-paced operation, or a high-performing Production Manager ready to step up and make your mark?

At Premier Fresh Australia, we're looking for a driven, capable and people-focused leader to join our Melbourne team.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-moving environment, knows how to get the best out of people and has a genuine passion for operational excellence.

We're open to considering candidates from both Operations Management and Production Management backgrounds. The scope of the role will be aligned to the experience, strengths and capability of the successful candidate.

What matters most is finding the right leader who can bring energy, accountability and a continuous improvement mindset to our business.

The Opportunity

Working within our fresh produce operation, you'll play a key leadership role in driving operational performance, building a strong team culture and ensuring we consistently deliver on safety, quality, productivity and customer expectations.

Depending on your experience, your focus may be on leading the broader site operation or taking ownership of day-to-day production performance, working closely with senior operational leadership.

Either way, you'll be expected to lead from the front, challenge the status quo and create an environment where people are engaged, supported and accountable.

What You'll Be Doing

- Lead, coach and develop teams, building a positive, high-performance culture.
- Drive daily operational and production performance against key KPIs.
- Improve labour productivity, resource planning, output and cost efficiency.
- Oversee production planning,



scheduling and workflow to meet customer requirements.
- Identify opportunities to reduce waste, rework and unnecessary costs.
- Maintain high standards of workplace health and safety, food safety and quality compliance.
- Strengthen operational processes, systems and accountability across the team.
- Work collaboratively with sales, quality, logistics and other key stakeholders to deliver exceptional service.
- Analyse performance, identify root causes and implement practical, sustainable improvements.
- Take ownership of operational challenges, make sound decisions and deliver results.

For candidates with broader Operations Management experience, the role may also include responsibility for site budgets, inventory, transport and logistics, equipment, facilities and overall operational strategy.

What We're Looking For

We're interested in speaking with leaders who have a proven ability to deliver results through people.

You’ll ideally bring:

- Demonstrated leadership experience in operations, production, manufacturing or a similar fast-paced environment.
- Experience in fresh produce, food manufacturing, FMCG or other high-volume production environments.
- Strong knowledge of production planning, labour management, productivity and operational KPIs.
- A track record of improving efficiency,



reducing waste and delivering measurable results.
- Sound understanding of workplace safety, food safety and quality standards.
- The confidence to make difficult decisions while remaining fair, approachable and respectful.
- Strong problem-solving skills, commercial awareness and a hands‑on approach.
- The ability to develop supervisors and team leaders, set clear expectations and build accountability.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage people at all levels.
- Experience with perishable products, multi‑shift operations, inventory management, Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement will be highly regarded.

The Kind of Leader Who Will Thrive Here

We're not simply looking for someone who can manage processes and hit numbers.

We want someone who can bring people together, lift standards and build a team that takes pride in its performance.

You’ll be someone who:

- Leads with energy, confidence and a visible presence.
- Is comfortable being hands‑on while also seeing the bigger picture.
- Holds people accountable without losing their respect.
- Builds trust, develops capability and brings people along through change.
- Challenges existing ways of working and looks for better solutions.
- Takes ownership, follows through and delivers on commitments.
- Balances commercial results with genuine care for people.

Why Join Premier Fresh Australia?

This is an chance to make a real impact in a dynamic fresh produce business where operational excellence, teamwork and customer service matter.

You'll have the opportunity to influence how the operation performs, develop y

📌 Operations Manager (Melbourne)
🏢 Premier Fresh Australia
📍 Melbourne