Production Manager

Southern Lakes Laundries is seeking an experienced and hands-on Production Manager to lead our busy commercial laundry operation. This is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing daily production, managing a large workforce, and ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality, productivity, and customer service are consistently achieved.

Reporting to the Operations Manager, you will lead a team of 7 Supervisors, overseeing approximately 40 employees on site each day and supporting the performance and development of a workforce of around 100 employees in total across the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate the day-to-day operations of the production department, including planning, scheduling, and monitoring workflows.
• Lead, coach, and support a team of 7 Supervisors.
• Ensure production targets, quality standards, and customer expectations are consistently achieved.
• Drive a positive safety culture and ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental requirements.
• Manage workforce planning, rostering, training, and performance across a workforce of approximately 100 employees.
• Monitor production KPIs and identify opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency, and quality.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to optimise production processes and reduce operational costs.
• Work closely with Maintenance, Engineering, and Transport teams to minimise downtime and ensure smooth operations.
• Foster a positive workplace culture through effective communication, coaching, and leadership.

About You

• Proven experience in a Production Manager, Operations Manager, Floor Manager, or similar leadership role.
• Experience leading large teams in manufacturing, logistics, industrial processing, laundry, or other fast-paced production environments.
• Strong leadership, communication, and people-management skills.
• Excellent organisational, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience managing KPIs, productivity, staffing, and operational performance.
• Technical knowledge of industrial machinery and plant maintenance is an advantage.
• Fluent English communication skills.
• Spanish language skills are highly desirable, as we work with a large South American workforce.

Work Environment

• The laundry operates 7 days per week, with this role generally working Monday to Friday, although flexibility is required to support operational needs.
• Fast-paced, hands-on environment with a strong focus on continuous improvement and team development.