Production Manager

The Opportunity

We are partnering with a growing food manufacturing business in Melbourne’s southeast to recruit a Production Manager.

The business has ambitious plans for growth and this is an opportunity to join at a really interesting stage of its development. The operation is still relatively lean, which means this role will have genuine responsibility and influence rather than being one Production Manager within a large corporate structure.

Reporting to the Operations Manager and working closely with the ownership group, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day manufacturing operation and lead the production team on site.

There is also a bigger opportunity here for the right person. As the business grows, they want someone who can help build the manufacturing operation with it. For an ambitious manufacturing leader, this is a chance to get in early, establish yourself as a key person within the business and grow your scope as the operation develops.

The Role

This is a hands-on Production Manager role. You will need to be visible on the floor, understand what is happening across production and be comfortable getting involved when issues arise.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing the day-to-day production operation and delivery of the production schedule
• Leading, coaching and developing the production team
• Coordinating labour and resources around production requirements
• Driving performance against production targets and KPIs
• Identifying opportunities to improve productivity, processes and overall manufacturing performance
• Troubleshooting production issues and helping the team resolve problems quickly
• Maintaining strong standards across food safety, quality and hygiene
• Supporting site safety requirements and initiatives
• Managing performance and building capability within the production team
• Working closely with the Operations Manager and ownership group as the operation continues to grow

About You

We are looking for a strong manufacturing leader who is comfortable in a fast paced and hands-on food production environment.

You may already be an experienced Production Manager or Manufacturing Manager looking for an opportunity where you can have greater ownership and influence.

Equally, you may be a high-performing Production Supervisor, Shift Manager or Manufacturing Leader within a larger food or FMCG business who is ready to take the next step and take ownership of a production function.

We are less concerned with your current job title than we are with your ability to lead people, understand production and take responsibility for getting results.

Ideally, you will bring:

• 3-5+ years' experience within food manufacturing or FMCG
• Strong experience leading teams within a manufacturing environment
• Experience managing production schedules, labour, priorities and KPIs
• A good understanding of food safety, hygiene and quality requirements
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Good mechanical and technical aptitude
• A practical, process-driven approach to continuous improvement
• Strong communication skills and the confidence to work closely with senior leaders and business owners
• Experience within powder manufacturing, blending and/or packing would be highly regarded

Why Consider This Opportunity?

The biggest attraction is the timing.

This is a growing business with an ownership group that is passionate about what they are building. You will be joining while the manufacturing operation is still developing and have the opportunity to play a genuine role in shaping what it becomes.

Rather than stepping into a large established structure where everything has already been built, this is an opportunity to come in early, take ownership of production and grow with the business.

For someone already running production, it offers greater ownership and the chance to help shape a growing operation. For someone who has built their career within a larger manufacturing environment and is ready for their first Production Manager opportunity, it could be the step up you have been looking for.

Salary range: $130,000 - $150,000

To Apply

For a confidential discussion about the opportunity, please contact Dean Colwell at Jigsaw Talent Management.

All enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence.