Production Team Leader

In Australia, the J.R. Simplot Company's core operations are food manufacturing and agriculture, encompassing potato, vegetable, seafood and sauce operations. We supply a wide range of frozen, shelf-stable and chilled products to major retail and foodservice customers in Australia and New Zealand. The Simplot Global Food business includes 17 food manufacturing and processing sites, serving retail and foodservice customers in 37 countries, with 8,000 people across North America, Latin America and Asia Pacific. Globally, the J.R. Simplot Company employs 15,000 people, driving innovation and excellence across diverse industries.

Within the Australian market, we are a leading provider of quality, nourishing and sustainable food, focussed on creating meals that maximises value from the best Australian-grown produce and global seafood. Our iconic brands have been an integral part of Aussie life for generations, and include Leggo's, Birds Eye, Edgell, John West and Chiko.

At Simplot, we are fueled by our purpose: We Contribute to Feeding Our World. We imagine a better future and set goals to reach it. We are committed to working as one Simplot and are guided by our shared values:
 

• Respect for Resources
• Spirit of Innovation
• Passion for People

We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion. We care about creating an environment that promotes safety and wellbeing and where our people feel supported, respected and empowered. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination and are committed to providing equal opportunities for all our team members.

Simplot is passionate about cultivating a future where good ideas and inspiring possibilities have the chance to grow. We want our team members to build exciting and fulfilling careers with us and offer professional and personal growth opportunities.

• Annual incentive (bonus) scheme
• Undertake leadership & development training opportunities
• Fully supplied and laundered uniform + boots + PPE
• Income Protection Insurance
• Company provided soft tissue specialist appointments
• Novated car leasing agreements
• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave
• On-site canteen 

• Team Leader role within a food production environment - lead a team of experienced Operators
• Permanent full-time, shift based 4:4 position hours shifts (2 x day / 2 x night / 4 x off)
• Hands-on, active role on the factory floor
   

Simplot Global Food are seeking applicants for unique opportunity in the position of Team Leader, to join the Production team at our Ulverstone manufacturing facility.  Reporting to the Packing Area Manager, the Team Leader will assume accountability for delivering the production plan with a focus on safety, quality and efficiencies whilst supporting and developing team members.  

Simplot Ulverstone has a proud history in the local community dating back to 1942, and our location on the banks of the Leven River is ideally situated close to the rich, fertile soils where our potatoes are grown.  We process around 300,000 tonnes of potatoes from 165 Tasmanian growers each year, producing high quality potato products that are enjoyed by consumers all over Australia.  Site capabilities / products include fries (coated & uncoated + different cuts), sweet potato fries, potato gems, and hash browns in addition to 8 x automated packing lines. 

Duties will include, but are not limited to;

• Demonstrate safe work methodology
• Facilitate daily pre-start meetings and convey any shift handover details and / or site communications
• Set clear direction of the daily work plan to the production team
• Ensure team conformance to manufacturing performance requirements and take correction action when necessary
• Provide first escalation point for the team re: safety, quality, sustainability, reliability and performance issues, engaging other resources as required
• Liaise with Production Area Managers, Production Manager and the Maintenance teams (mechanical & electrical) for problem solving and resolution of breakdown & preventative maintenance activities
• Responsibility for line / shift reporting
• Utilising Simplot Work Systems methodology for problem solving, root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives

• Possess a 100% commitment to health, safety and wellbeing in the workplace
• Have a sound understanding and working knowledge of the Lean Manufacturing methodology (essential)
• Demonstrated people leadership skills with a focus on interactive / in-person engagement and a willingness to guide people & their performance (essential)
• A skill set and knowledge of operating fixed plant food processing equipment and machinery woulld be advantageous
• Ability & confidence to facilitate meetings with a high level of communication skills, both written & verbal
• Ability to work 12.2 hour shifts across a 4:4 day / night rotating roster
• Show strong attention to detail, ability to follow standard work and complete tasks to a high standard
• Be driven to engage in personal development opportunities
• Possess an intermediate level of PC skills using the Windows platform
• Willingness to undergo a pre-employment medical (incl. urine based drug & alcohol screening)

Click on the "Apply" button to submit your application, ensuring a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role AND an up-to-date resume are included (noting that you will be redirected to the Simplot Careers portal).

APPLICATIONS CLOSE MIDNIGHT 12/12/2025 - Simplot reserve the right to commence shortlisting activities prior to advert closing date. 

Job Requisition ID: 24260 

Travel Required: Less than 10% 

Location(s): GF Plant - Ulverstone 

Country: Australia 

Simplot is an equal opportunity employer and encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply. If you feel you would be a great addition to our team please apply online today, we would love to hear from you. If you require technical assistance, please email us