Plant Manager

About Thomas Foods International

Thomas Foods International is a family-owned food company established in 1988 and recognised as one of Australia’s major players in meat and seafood. Operating across Australia, the US, Canada, China, Japan and Europe, the business grows, supplies and distributes premium products worldwide. The company is built around strong values, a positive workplace culture and continued growth. Its purpose is to provide families around the world with high-quality products, reliable service and sustainable practices.

Role overview

This opportunity is for an experienced and driven Plant Manager to take charge of all operations at the Small Stock processing facility in Stawell, Victoria. The role carries responsibility for operational performance, improvement initiatives, workplace safety, profit and loss management, and workforce effectiveness. It is a hands-on leadership position with the chance to influence a business that is expanding significantly.

The Stawell site is in the middle of a major boning room expansion that will create a modern, highly automated facility and lift production capacity substantially. Additional site expansion projects are also being considered.

Key duties

• Lead the overall management of the Small Stock processing plant.
• Maintain a strong focus on workplace health and safety as well as food safety standards.
• Take ownership of profit and loss performance.
• Provide both strategic direction and day-to-day operational leadership.
• Operate within a GMP and HACCP-controlled environment.
• Manage reporting and engagement with key stakeholders.
• Work closely with project and operations leaders to support growth and site development.

What the role calls for

• Qualifications in meat processing, food processing, or equivalent practical experience.
• Proven success in a plant leadership position, ideally within meat or food processing.
• A strong commercial outlook with the ability to improve revenue outcomes.
• Knowledge of the small stock sector and how to achieve full product utilisation.
• The capability to guide teams through change and continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management ability.
• Strong delegation and time-management skills.

Additional requirements

The selected candidate must complete a pre-employment medical assessment, which includes Q fever vaccination, fitness testing, and drug and alcohol screening.

Sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must already have the legal right to work in Australia.

If you have questions about the position, you may contact Craig Hartley on 0428 271 164 or craig.hartley@thomasfoods.com. Applications should not be sent to the email referenced in the source notice.