Operations Manager (Production)

Bannister Downs Dairy | Northcliffe, WA

Bannister Downs is a family-owned dairy at Northcliffe, in the Southern Forests of Western Australia. We process and bottle our milk on site, supply customers across WA and export into the Asia Pacific under an (Export) Approved Arrangement with the Federal Government.

The business is entering a period of strong growth, and we aim to grow without compromising the quality our customers know us for. We need someone to take responsibility for leading our production through that growth.

About the role

This role is based within our processing facility, being a food production role (not farming). Reporting to the Managing Director, you will run production day to day, leading a team of around 20 that includes six developing leaders. Working closely with our Maintenance Lead, Logistics Manager and the processing, filling and dispatch teams. This role includes a combination of hands on with the team to achieve improvements on equipment optimisation and processes, as well as desk work for planning, stock and team management.

We are currently in production Monday to Friday.

Key responsibilities

• Safe and efficient growth of production, without compromising product quality
• Close day-to-day production management and planning to meet volume, quality and delivery targets
• Building the team: developing our emerging leaders and earning the respect of the people you lead
• Assessing our equipment and working with maintenance to keep the plant reliable as volumes increase
• Food safety, including the upholding of our Export Registration, encompassing our HACCP system, working with our quality policies
• Improving systems and processes to prepare operations for smooth transition to increased scale

We’re open to an experienced Production or Operations Manager, and equally to a supervisor, shift manager or team leader who is ready to step up. Capability and attitude matter more to us than your current title, and someone who has come up through production, working hands-on with the equipment and the product, will feel at home here. You’ll bring:

• Hands-on experience in food or beverage manufacturing. Dairy is ideal, but meat, bakery, beverage and other chilled or perishable production are just as relevant

• A working knowledge of HACCP and food safety systems

• Strong planning skills and clear, direct communication

• The ability to build a team, develop people and hold their respect

• A genuine interest in taking responsibility and growing with the business

Living in the Southern Forests

The role is based at Northcliffe and you’ll need to live in the region. Pemberton, Manjimup and Quinninup are all within reach, with private college education available in Manjimup (Kearnan College). The cost of living is lower than in the city and the communities are close-knit. For candidates moving to the region, we’ll talk through relocation as part of the process.

What’s on offer

• An attractive package, based on experience

• A permanent role in a family business where your work is visible and valued

• Room to grow as the business does

How to apply

We are working with Paul Duffy of Stanton Chase on this appointment. Please apply through Seek with your CV and a short cover note. For a confidential conversation before applying, email Paul at [email protected]. All enquiries will be treated in confidence.