Plant Manager

Direct message the job poster from Morgan Consulting

We've partnered with a leading player in the fresh food manufacturing to appoint a Senior Plant Manager to lead one of their most important processing sites, based in Sydney. This role is a rare opportunity to take the reins of a well-established facility as it embarks on the next phase of growth, operational uplift and strategic investment.

The Opportunity

This is more than just a site leadership role — it's a platform for an experienced and energetic operations leader to shape the direction of a business-critical site, with significant investment being made in both people and process. The site services major retail and foodservice customers nationally, producing high-volume, short shelf-life products under stringent food safety and compliance standards.

Reporting into the Regional Head of Manufacturing, you'll lead a team of over 200 people across production, quality, technical, engineering, warehousing and maintenance. The key focus for the next 12–24 months is to increase site capacity, streamline operations, and embed continuous improvement disciplines that enhance performance and throughput without compromising quality or safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Full site accountability for safety, quality, service, cost and people performance
• Lead the delivery of a multi-year site performance roadmap, including scaling capacity and reducing waste
• Drive cultural and operational improvements through CI methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen etc.)
• Oversee execution of site-based capital works and asset upgrades in partnership with the national engineering team
• Coach and develop your leadership team to build a high-performance, highly engaged workforce
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards, regulatory obligations and customer requirements
• Monitor and report on KPIs, identifying areas for rapid improvement and long-term transformation
• Collaborate with supply chain, planning, technical, and commercial functions to ensure seamless delivery

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a proven manufacturing site leader who brings a strong operational mindset, commercial acumen, and the ability to inspire teams through change. This role is well-suited to individuals who thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments and enjoy making a tangible impact.

The ideal candidate will have:

• 8+ years of experience in senior operations leadership roles (Site Manager, Plant Manager or Manufacturing Manager)
• A background in food manufacturing, preferably fresh/chilled or short shelf-life environments
• Strong working knowledge of Lean manufacturing, CI tools and modern performance management
• Experience leading large teams and managing complex shifts, rosters and labour plans
• Demonstrated success in scaling operations and implementing performance improvement initiatives
• Ability to influence, coach and support leaders and frontline employees through change
• Tertiary qualifications in Engineering, Food Technology, Manufacturing, Operations or related disciplines preferred

Why This Role?

• A strategic site leadership role with national visibility
• Join a growing, customer-focused food business with a strong investment pipeline
• Autonomy to influence operational direction, culture and capability
• A role where you can see the direct impact of your leadership on performance, culture and business outcomes
• An opportunity to join a growing organisation, with a strong P&L, healthy capital injection and a culture that is proactive and open to change.

If you're an accomplished plant or operations leader or a manufacturing manager ready to take on your next challenge in a forward-thinking and agile organisation — we'd love to hear from you.

Seniority level

• Seniority levelDirector

Employment type

• Employment typeFull-time

Job function

• Job functionManufacturing
• IndustriesFood and Beverage Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, and Manufacturing

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