Manufacturing Manager

About the Company

Our client is a well-established and successful organisation in the food manufacturing sector, known for high product quality, operational excellence and a culture focused on safety, innovation, and people development. Their Melbourne-based modern facility operates on a large scale and is experiencing ongoing growth.

Role Overview

Reporting directly to the Site/Plant Manager, this role requires leadership across a complex packaging production area. The Manufacturing Manager will oversee packaging operations running three shifts on a 24/5 schedule, ensuring strategic direction and operational discipline to meet production output, quality, and food safety standards.

• Lead and manage packaging operations across three shifts on a 24/5 roster.
• Develop and maintain a high-performing team via coaching and leadership of shift supervisors and operators to foster accountability, skill enhancement, and team engagement.
• Drive operational transformation by influencing future equipment setups, layout improvements, CAPEX projects, and operating models underpinned by structured manufacturing systems, SOPs, and routines.
• Utilize extensive expertise in packaging dynamics to minimize losses and improve efficiency, managing key performance indicators such as overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), yield, waste, and labor utilization through regular monitoring and corrective actions.
• Lead continuous improvement projects embedding lean manufacturing principles to enhance financial and operational results.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety regulations, GMP, HACCP, and workplace health and safety standards while promoting safety culture improvement.
• Collaborate with maintenance, quality, and supply chain teams to optimise production scheduling.
• Manage labour resources effectively including rostering and casual staff to meet production demands within the approved budget.

Candidate Profile

• Possess a tertiary qualification in Engineering, Food Science, or a related field.
• Have at least five years of experience in team leadership or management within manufacturing.
• Experience in food or beverage manufacturing industries is highly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proven track record in driving operational performance using data-driven analysis and root cause problem solving.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an ability to engage stakeholders at various levels.
• High proficiency with computer tools, especially Microsoft Office suite.
• Ability to effectively coach, mentor and manage teams.
• Self-motivated with exceptional organizational skills capable of working independently in a fast-paced environment.

Opportunity and Benefits

This role provides a chance to join a leading dairy company in a senior operational leadership capacity, enabling impactful contribution, career growth, and participation in a collaborative and high-achieving team culture.