Director of Plant Operations

The Company

This is a rare opportunity to join one of the most recognised and respected names in global food manufacturing. With a significant presence across Australia and an ambitious growth agenda, this organisation operates at genuine scale, and employing thousands of people and producing some of the most loved brands in the country. Underpinned by a strong values-driven culture, a relentless focus on operational excellence, and a commitment to developing its people, this business offers a platform few can match for an Operations Director ready to make a lasting impact.

The Role

Reporting into the Executive Leadership Group, this is a genuine enterprise leadership role with full end-to-end accountability. You will be responsible for driving safe, efficient and high-performing manufacturing across a large, complex site, setting the strategic direction, embedding world-class systems, and building the culture and capability to sustain long-term growth. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Lead and develop a workforce of in excess of 350 employees, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Develop and execute a clear operational vision, aligned to broader business strategy and long-term growth plans
• Own the full P&L for site operations, optimising labour, materials and overhead to deliver budgeted performance
• Drive operational excellence through lean manufacturing, structured problem solving and disciplined CI methodologies
• Lead master planning, capital investment prioritisation and major infrastructure and equipment projects
• Oversee end-to-end operations spanning manufacturing, engineering, quality, people, supply chain and finance
• Own the safety agenda for operations, embedding a proactive, risk-based approach that makes safety a non-negotiable value
• Ensure full compliance with all relevant regulatory, environmental and quality standards including ISO, BRC, HACCP and MSQA
• Build leadership capability at all levels through structured development, coaching and succession planning

Your Background

You are a senior operations leader with the gravitas, strategic mindset and hands-on credibility to lead a large, complex manufacturing environment. You bring both the commercial acumen to drive performance and the people leadership to build a culture that retains and develops great talent. You will also have the following skills & experience:

• Extensive senior leadership experience within FMCG, food manufacturing or complex industrial environments
• Deep expertise across core operational disciplines including manufacturing, engineering, quality, supply chain, finance and people
• Demonstrated success in driving operational performance through lean, CI and structured problem-solving methodologies
• Proven experience leading large, diverse workforces with a strong track record in safety leadership and cultural change
• Commercial acumen with hands-on experience managing P&Ls and delivering against budgeted performance targets
• Strong capability in organisational design, workforce planning and building high-performing leadership teams
• Solid understanding of regulatory and compliance frameworks including safety, hygiene and environmental requirements
• Experience in meat processing or protein manufacturing is highly regarded but not essential
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of a business

What's On Offer

This is a career-defining opportunity for an Operations Director ready to lead at genuine scale. You'll have the autonomy to shape strategy, drive cultural change, and leave a legacy, backed by the resources and ambition of a truly global organisation.

In addition to a competitive executive remuneration package, you'll join a values-driven business that invests in its people, rewards strong performance, and offers real scope for continued growth at the highest level.

For a confidential discussion feel free to contact Ricky Phare on 0409 741 184 or via email at ***email_hidden***.