Manufacturing Manager

The Company

Our client is a highly successful, well-established organisation operating in the food manufacturing industry. With a strong reputation for product quality, operational excellence and a commitment to continuous improvement, they are a recognised leader in their field and have built a culture that values safety, innovation and people.

Located in centrally in Melbourne, their modern facility operates at scale and continues to grow. They are now seeking an experienced and driven Manufacturing Manager to join their leadership team and play a key role in driving performance across their manufacturing operations.

The Role

Reporting to the Site / Plant Manager, this is a key leadership role responsible for driving performance, people and culture across a complex production area.

• Lead packaging operations across three shifts on a 24/5 roster, operating at both a strategic and operational level to set direction and deliver disciplined execution against output, quality and food safety
• Shape and build a high-performing team structure, coaching and developing shift supervisors and operators to create a culture of accountability, capability and engagement
• Lead the transformation of by designing and influencing future state across equipment, layout, CAPEX and operating model, underpinned by structured manufacturing systems, SOPs and operational routines
• Apply deep understanding of packaging dynamics to reduce losses and improve efficiency, owning key performance metrics including OEE, yield/waste and labour utilisation with regular reporting and corrective actions
• Identify and lead continuous improvement initiatives, embedding lean manufacturing principles to drive consistent financial performance and overall operational excellence across the production area
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, GMP, HACCP and WHS requirements at all times, actively uplifting safety capability and standards across the plant
• Partner with maintenance, quality, and supply chain teams to optimise production scheduling
• Manage labour planning including rostering and casuals to meet operational demand within budget

Your Background

To be successful in this role, you will bring a combination of leadership capability and a genuine passion for operational excellence in a high speed food packaging environment.

• Tertiary qualification in Engineering, Food Science or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a team leadership or management role within a manufacturing environment.
• Prior experience in food or beverage manufacturing is highly regarded.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to drive performance outcomes through data-driven analysis and root cause problem solving.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage and influence at all levels.
• High level of computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Proven ability to develop, coach and performance manage teams effectively.
• A self-starter with strong organisational skills and the ability to work autonomously in a fast-paced environment.

What’s On Offer

This is an excellent opportunity to join a market-leading dairy business in a senior operational leadership role, where you will be empowered to make a genuine impact, develop your career and be part of a high-performing, collaborative team culture.

For a confidential discussion please contact Ricky Phare at Sonder Executive on 0409 741 184 or via email at ***email_hidden***.