Operations Manager – Food Manufacturing
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Production Manager to lead our food manufacturing operations and drive excellence across our production facility. This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on leader who is passionate about delivering high-quality products, developing high-performing teams, and championing continuous improvement.
The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring our manufacturing operation runs safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with food safety and quality standards. You will lead production teams, optimise processes, drive operational performance, and work collaboratively across departments to ensure production targets are consistently achieved while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.
As our business operates around the school term calendar, you'll also enjoy the benefit of a more predictable production schedule, with quieter periods during school holidays—offering an excellent work-life balance and the opportunity to enjoy extended time off throughout the year.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee daily operations of the food manufacturing facility, including production planning, scheduling, and workflow management to meet targets and maintain efficiency.
- Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, quality standards (such as HACCP), and government legislation relating to food manufacturing and workplace safety.
- Manage production teams, including hiring, training, evaluating performance, and ensuring proper staff allocation across shifts to maintain continuous operation. Assign daily tasks to team members, optimising labour and resources to ensure maximum efficiency and productivity.
- Optimise manufacturing processes by identifying areas for improvement, implementing lean manufacturing principles, reducing waste, and improving productivity.
- Coordinate with supply chain for timely sourcing of raw materials and manage inventory control to avoid production delays.
- Monitor equipment maintenance and ensure machinery is operating safely and effectively, organizing repairs and preventative maintenance schedules.
- Establish & Track key performance indicators (KPIs) including production output, quality metrics, downtime, and costs, reporting regularly to senior management.
- Issue Resolution Investigate production-related issues promptly and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
- Quality Collaboration work closely with the different production teams to ensure all products meet internal standards and customer expectations.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives aimed at product quality, cost reduction, and operational excellence.
- Oversee health and safety standards to maintain a safe working environment for employees and reduce accidents or hazards.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth operations and compliance.
Key Skills Required
- Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and quality management systems.
- Excellent leadership and team management skills to motivate staff and drive performance.
- Proficient in lean manufacturing, continuous improvement methodologies , and process optimization.
- Good problem-solving and decision-making abilities under pressure.
- Familiarity with production planning software, ERP systems, and data analysis tools.
- Strong communication skills to liaise effectively across all levels of the organisation.
- Ability to work in fast-paced environments and adapt to changing priorities.
This role is critical in ensuring the food manufacturing facility operates smoothly, meets production goals, and delivers products that comply with the highest standards of safety and quality. It demands a blend of operational expertise, leadership, and a focus on continuous improvement tailored specifically to the food industry context.
If you thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, have a proven ability to lead teams, improve processes, and deliver results, we'd love to hear from you.
Application question(s):
- Proven track record in people management
Experience:
- Operations management: 3 years (required)
- Food industry: 3 years (required)
Work Location: In person
