Sift Food Production Manager

About The Team

Murdoch University is an emerging leader in food science research and teaching in Australia, with the development of a multi-year and multi-stakeholder strategy driven by a commitment to excellence. Murdoch University’s Food Centre is located south of Perth in the Peel Business Park, with a new site, architecturally outstanding buildings, it is expected that the traffic of startup and existing food businesses to the SIFT Centre will be significant.

SIFT is operated by Murdoch University’s Food Futures Institute (FFI) and is located adjacent to the Murdoch Research and Teaching building. The focus of activities will be operating like a business unit producing income and have economic impact, a place where constant industry contact occurs daily, alongside frequent interaction with Murdoch research staff and government funding partners.

Your New Role

The Food Futures Institute works to provide solutions on the sustainable use of limited land and water resources to economically and ethically improve food, forestry, and fibre production. The Food Production Supervisor leads the production and is responsible for all aspects of production pertaining to manufacturing of products at the SIFT Centre, including adherence to legislative and customer requirements.

Key responsibilities for the role include:

- Leading the Site in production line setup, including operator training, hygiene, and production work instructions.
- Provide leadership in coaching, education and training of client’s management staff plus SIFT employees and contractors to ensure compliance with production requirements.
- Develop and recommend production procedures for consideration and approval.
- Ensure agreed safety and quality policies are followed.
- Ensures adherence to appropriate regulations and company standards.
- Assist in financial administration activities and assist with the budgeting forecasts and expenditure of the business unit.
- Act as first step in machine maintenance.
- Act as the key production operator liaison with all customers ensuring products, processes and specifications meet minimum standards to gain entrance into desired markets.

Please refer to the

Position Description

for further details.

What We Offer You

This Fixed Term (ending 06/2026) | Full Time (37.5 hours per week) position attracts a remuneration of $109,000 - $125,000 plus 17% employer superannuation contributions. There are strong prospects for ongoing funding of SIFT and employment extension.

You’ll join a dynamic and talented team where diversity and innovation thrive. Our Bronze
- tier status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index reflects our commitment to LGBTIQA+ inclusion, equity and creating a safe, welcoming environment for all. We strive to be the university of choice for First Nations peoples, honouring Indigenous knowledge. Sustainability is central to our community and guided by clear, confident leadership, we are working toward an ambitious future with goals of net zero emissions and zero waste by 2030.

As well as the flexibility to maintain a work life balance, our staff enjoy a vibrant, natural campus with world-class facilities, along with a variety of benefits, including:

- Periodic salary increases between 1 July 2025 to 1 July 2026 totalling a 6% increase
- Flexible work arrangements
- Cultural Load and allowance - providing up to $8,944 per year to First Nations employees who are contributing cultural knowledge and perspectives beyond the scope of their role
- Indigenous Language Allowance
- Salary packaging options - such as purchasing leave, gym membership, car parking permit
- Employee Assistance Program

For further information, check out our

benefits and services page



Join us
- A cover letter that includes a statement addressing the selection criteria noted below to allow us to assess your suitability for this role.
- Your most recent resume (CV)

Selection Criteria:

- Strong leadership capacity with relevant experience training a team of operators.
- Knowledge and understanding of food safety and food safety systems including prerequisite programs, allergens, foreign object detection.
- Demonstrated food processing knowledge of high-risk foods, prepared meals, cook quench chill, kettle operations, sous vide and oven operations.
- Knowledge of running good manufacturing & packaging machinery.
- High level of organisational, time and workload management skills; with the ability to prioritise workload to meet strict deadlines.
- Highly effective communication skills; with the ability to interact constructively with staff at all levels of the organisation and/or external stakeholders.

Applicants should refer to the

Position Description

Please note visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants are expected to have current and valid work rights in Australia.

Contact Us

Applications Close on 23/03/2025 (11:59pm AWST)

The University reserves the right to withdraw this adver