State Operations Manager, Adelaide

Overview

At PFD, we bring people together through food and in this role, you'll be at the heart of making that happen across South Australia. As State Operations Manager - SA, you will take full accountability for our four sites (Adelaide, Mt Gambier, Whyalla and Mildura), leading a workforce of 200+ people with a labour spend of $20M. This is not a "caretaker/maintenance" role; it's an opportunity to drive real change. With new leadership and significant investment underway, you'll embed a safety-first culture, lift team engagement, and deliver commercial excellence while shaping the future of our SA operations.

About this Position

We are a 81-year-old company expanding rapidly, delivering a superior range of dry goods, frozen and chilled products, fresh seafood and meat, confectionery, paper products, and cleaning solutions, with a close partnership with Woolworths Group.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire operational teams across three sites, setting a clear vision and driving accountability.
• Champion a safety-first culture and embed behaviours and systems that keep our people safe every day.
• Manage labour, freight, stock loss, and operational expenses to deliver on budget and efficiency targets.
• Drive transformation projects, including site upgrades, COR strengthening, and the rollout of Manhattan WMS.
• Partner with and influence key stakeholders, including employees, customers, and senior leadership.
• Build a high-performing team culture, lifting engagement, developing leaders, and creating a workplace people are proud of.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety standards, regulations, and audit requirements across all sites.
• Drive sustainability initiatives, embedding environmentally responsible practices in operations and logistics.
• Oversee and manage the maintenance, utilisation, and optimisation of physical site assets to ensure operational resilience.

What We're Looking For

To thrive in this role, you will bring:

• Proven leadership experience managing large operational teams (80+ employees).
• A safety-first mindset with a track record of lifting safety culture and performance.
• Strong background in warehousing/distribution.
• Senior-level operational experience, ideally within food service, FMCG, or temperature-controlled environments.
• The ability to balance strategic leadership with getting into the detail when needed and optimising costs, processes, and outcomes.
• Strength in stakeholder management, including experience with IR/ER and EBA environments.
• Energy, vision, and passion for creating change, backed by the resilience to bring people on the journey.

Bonus points if you have

• Tier 1 WMS experience (e.g., Manhattan).
• Exposure to route transport operations and fleet management.
• A track record of successfully leading cultural or structural change programs.

What Success Looks Like

• A clear shift in safety culture and measured not only in results, but in behaviours, engagement, and how people talk about safety every day.
• Higher engagement scores and a more energised workforce, moving from "doing the minimum" to taking pride in their performance.
• Labour, freight, and transport costs consistently delivered within budget, with efficiency gains captured across operations.
• Strong audit and COR compliance results, with corrective actions resolved quickly and standards embedded into daily routines.

What PFD is Offering the Successful Candidate

We are offering competitive remuneration, superannuation and other staff benefits (such as discounts on staff purchases, discounted accommodation, health insurance and banking). As part of this position, we are also offering participation in an incentive program.

Culture & Values

Customer Focus

Know your external and internal customers. Gain and preserve their confidence because we can only be successful if our customers are successful.

Respect

Treat people at work and in the community as they would like to be treated. Act safely, responsibly, and ethically.

Passion

Share the passion of making us a successful and dynamic company. Let's celebrate successes. Let's minimise the complications of doing business so customer services are on time, accurate and reliable. Share ideas to improve our company.

Leadership

All of us can be leaders in our day to day working lives. Bring out the best in yourself and the people around you. Do what you say you are going to do.

How to Apply

This role offers full operational autonomy and the backing of a supportive leadership team to create something lasting. If you're a leader who thrives on shaping culture, lifting standards, and turning potential into performance, this is your opportunity to make your mark. Click the apply button and submit your updated resume and a cover letter.

Applications close 29 September 2025 at 12:00 pm (AEST). Early applications are encouraged, as hiring managers may begin shortlisting candidates before the closing date. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. All applications will be treated confidentially.

As part of our recruitment process, do you consent to undergoing employment checks? These may include a medical assessment (which may involve drug and alcohol testing), a National Police History Check, a Working With Children/Vulnerable Groups Check, and a Licence Validation/Demerit Point Check.

Please note: We do not accept unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies or third parties. Any CVs sent directly to Line Managers will not be considered, and we will not be responsible for any associated fees or costs.

PFD Food Services is committed to being an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

---