Chief Operating Officer

Role overview

This is a senior executive opportunity with a fast-growing South Australian food manufacturer based at Burton in Adelaide. The business is a long-established, family-owned success story that has expanded from a single market stall into a brand recognised nationally and in international markets across Asia, the Middle East, and North America.

The company has continued to scale through stronger retail presence, increased production capacity, and rising demand in Australia and overseas. This opening exists because of an internal promotion, and the successful candidate will join the executive leadership team at an important stage of growth.

What you will lead

Reporting to the CEO, you will be responsible for overall operational performance across Production, Quality, Logistics, Maintenance, and Customer Service. The role goes beyond maintaining day-to-day operations; it is designed for someone who can improve systems, sharpen processes, strengthen capability, and build the operating model needed for future expansion.

You will manage five experienced operational leaders and work closely with the CEO and wider leadership group to lift performance, develop leaders, and implement practical structures that support scale.

The role calls for a leader who is equally comfortable setting direction at a strategic level and being present on the floor, understanding operational issues first-hand, and identifying opportunities to improve the way the business works.

Primary focus areas

• Guide and develop five operational managers across production, quality, logistics, maintenance, and customer service.
• Lift performance through better systems, stronger processes, clearer reporting, improved measurement, and continuous improvement practices.
• Improve manufacturing output, production capacity, supply chain performance, and customer service delivery.
• Oversee food safety, quality control, compliance obligations, and operational risk management.
• Support capital investment projects, automation, plant upgrades, and other growth-related initiatives.
• Work with the CEO and leadership team to deliver strategic priorities and ensure the business is ready for expansion.
• Create a culture built on ownership, teamwork, continuous improvement, and high standards.
• Build operational strength through workforce planning, asset management, and business continuity planning.

What the business is looking for

The ideal candidate will be an experienced operational leader who enjoys building strong businesses and has a background in food manufacturing. You should have a history of improving performance by introducing better systems, refining processes, and leading people effectively.

Success in this position will depend on your ability to earn trust, communicate clearly, and create an environment where people are supported, accountable, and motivated to improve. The business is seeking a leader who is honest, grounded, transparent, and committed to coaching and developing others.

Experience and capability required

• Substantial senior leadership experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• Solid understanding of end-to-end manufacturing operations, including production, quality, supply chain, and maintenance.
• Proven ability to improve operations through systems, process enhancement, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong commercial judgement, financial understanding, and analytical problem-solving ability.
• Hands-on experience with ERP platforms and using technology to improve business outcomes.
• A structured, data-led approach with a strong appreciation for process discipline.
• Excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence people at all levels.
• Exposure to business scaling, transformation, and growth-focused change.

Why this opportunity stands out

This is a rare chance to join a highly regarded South Australian business with strong momentum and ambitious plans. You will have real influence over strategic direction, the ability to shape how the operation evolves, and the opportunity to make a lasting contribution to a proudly South Australian brand with local and international growth ahead.

For a senior food manufacturing leader who enjoys combining strategic thinking with practical execution, this role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a values-driven business.

Application note

Applicants are asked to submit a resume and cover letter. A confidential discussion is available by phone with Melanie Mansfield at Mansfield & Co Recruitment on 0411 471 822.