Production Manager - Rowville Site

About the role:

As Production Manager, you’ll provide effective leadership to Production Coordinators, Leading Hands, and Operators.

The Production Manager is responsible for upholding plant policies and procedures, maintaining safety, quality, and production standards, and developing reports on safety, quality, and production information for areas of responsibility.

Responsibilities include:

• Strategic Planning: Ensure timely execution of production plans, meeting quality, cost and delivery targets (e.g. volume, overall equipment effectiveness targets).
• Team Leadership: Lead, motivate and develop team members to enhance performance/ productivity and foster a culture of accountability.
• Budget Management: Play an active role in budget planning and drive the strategic management, allocation and financial reporting of resources for optimal efficiency.
• Performance Evaluation: Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to employees.
• Stakeholder Management: Maintain effective communication with stakeholders and senior management.
• Process Optimisation: Analyse and streamline processes to enhance efficiency by reducing unplanned stops, wastage and deliver measurable cost reductions.
• Compliance Management: Ensure operations comply with industry regulations and standards.
• Inventory Control: Oversee inventory management to maintain optimal stock levels and reduce waste.
• Quality & Safety Assurance: Ensure quality and safety standards are met throughout the production process.
• Continuous Improvement: Present problem-solving expertise by identifying root causes for problem areas and recommend possible solutions.

Please note that we are a 24/7 operation and therefore, there maybe instances where you will be contacted outside of your regular working hours.

About you:

The Production Manager role requires a blend of leadership, technical expertise, and strategic thinking. Candidates must have a:

• A strong foundation in Manufacturing, preferably in dairy manufacturing (UHT/PET experience preferred), with at least 5+ years in Production Management. Ideally supported by a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Food Science or Business Management. Equivalent industry experience is also acceptable.
• Technically, the role demands proficiency in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Lean Manufacturing methodologies, Microsoft Office Suite, SAP and other Management Systems. Analytical skill set is also essential to support data-driven decision making.
• Demonstrated leadership capability with a proven ability to inspire, drive, and enable high performance across diverse teams.

Our story:

Founded by the Besnier family in 1933, Lactalis has grown into the world’s No. 1 dairy company, with 85,000 team members across 100 countries creating the #LactalisExperience.

In Australia, our iconic brands reflect our passion for delivering quality, nutritious products. We’re proud, humble, and committed to caring for our people, land, farmers, and consumers - driving a sustainable dairy future.

We value internal talent, encourage entrepreneurship, and foster accountability. Our expertise and dairy “know-how” set us apart.

We’re an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Ready to join the #LactalisExperience? Apply now!