Production and Packing Manager

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Yummy Karma is a fast-growing Australian manufacturer of premium chilled and frozen ready meals, snacks, and airline meal solutions. Operating from a modern SQF-certified facility in Western Sydney, we supply major retailers, airlines, and foodservice operators across Australia and abroad. Learn more at www.yummykarma.com.

Role Summary

We are seeking a hands-on, mechanically sound Production & Packing Manager to lead daily operations across both departments. This is full-time role, Monday to Friday from 9am to 6.30pm, with availability needed on some weekends. This role is responsible for planning, quality, team leadership, mechanical troubleshooting, and labour cost control. You'll play a key role in building a strong and reliable production workforce and maintaining high-performance standards across the factory.

Key Responsibilities

Production Operations

• Create and execute detailed daily/weekly production plans to meet forecast and delivery commitments.
• Manage staff rosters and shift coverage, optimising labour to reduce overtime and idle time.
• Ensure 100% compliance with QA and traceability records for every batch.
• Monitor and reduce wastage and variances, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Drive on-time completion of all production runs; manage priorities and escalate roadblocks.
• Supervise production processes to ensure alignment with recipes, SOPs and critical control points.

Packing Operations

• Lead packing teams to meet or exceed daily line output targets with minimal rework.
• Drive labour productivity and keep packing labour cost per unit within or below budget.
• Ensure GMP and hygiene standards are upheld across all shifts.
• Perform basic mechanical troubleshooting on machines (e.g., tray sealers, conveyors, labelers).
• Coordinate minor preventive maintenance and escalate issues requiring technician support.

People & Recruitment

• Lead and inspire a high-performing team across both production and packing areas.
• Support and manage recruitment of factory staff (permanent and casual), including:
• Workforce planning in coordination with HR.
• Screening, interviewing, and selecting suitable candidates.
• Overseeing onboarding and hands-on training of new hires.
• Monitor staff performance, attendance, and conduct, addressing issues proactively.
• Foster a strong workplace culture based on respect, accountability, and safety.
• Ensure all team members are trained and assessed on SOPs and compliance requirements.

Technical and Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement improvements in process flow, labour efficiency, and changeovers.
• Work closely with maintenance and QA to troubleshoot and resolve equipment or quality issues.
• Track key performance metrics (output, downtime, waste, labour/hr) and report weekly.
• Support lean manufacturing and cost-saving initiatives across departments.

What You Bring

• 3–5+ years in a production or packing leadership role within food manufacturing
• Experience as as a qualified Chef is a plus, but not essential
• A strong, motivational leadership style – with the ability to recruit, train, and lead diverse teams.
• Solid understanding of mechanical systems, with a hands-on approach to minor fault-finding.
• Knowledge of GMP, HACCP, SQF, and food safety auditing standards.
• Experience managing rosters, shift plans, and KPI dashboards.
• Strong problem-solving, communication and team development skills

What We Offer

• A leadership role with scope to shape the production culture and team.
• Strong internal support and room for growth in growing business.
• An attractive salary package of $90k - $120k + performance bonus.

Please include a Cover Letter and CV with your application.

Seniority level

• Seniority levelMid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment typeFull-time

Job function

• Job functionManagement and Manufacturing
• IndustriesConsumer Goods

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