Technical & Continuous Improvement Manager

Join Sugar Australia and help shape the future of sugar refining through innovation, technical leadership, and continuous improvement.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Technical & Continuous Improvement Manager to drive performance, efficiency and technical capability at our Racecourse Refinery in Mackay, QLD. This permanent, full-time role reports to the Operations Manager – Northern Loop and is a key member of the site leadership team.

What you'll be doing:

As our Technical & Continuous Improvement Manager, you'll be at the centre of how we make things better – smarter systems, safer processes and stronger performance.

You'll lead a skilled team of Process and Process Control Engineers and partner closely with colleagues across our operation to embed best practice and deliver meaningful results.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the design and implementation of systems and processes that enhance safety, quality and efficiency.
• Mentor and develop a team of Process and Process Control engineers, building technical capability and a culture of collaboration, innovation and improvement.
• Use data, trends, and automation to drive performance and inform smarter decision making.
• Champion best practice in process engineering, process design and EHSQ excellence, ensuring compliance and a proactive safety culture.
• Identify and deliver improvement opportunities, including initiatives to reduce CO₂e emissions and optimise energy use to support our sustainability goals.
• Lead investigations and root cause analysis, ensuring learnings drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with operational teams across Sugar Australia to ensure best practice operations and knowledge sharing.
• Support and contribute to capital projects from concept to execution.

What you'll bring:

You're a technically minded and people focused leader who thrives in complex manufacturing environments and has a passion for driving continuous improvement. You will bring:

• Tertiary qualification in Engineering or Science; postgraduate qualifications in Business, Finance, or Engineering desirable.
• 10+ years experience in manufacturing, FMCG or commodities industries.
• Experience working in the sugar industry (strongly desirable).
• Proven experience leading technical teams and delivering measurable process and capital improvements.
• Understanding of EHS, GMP, HACCP, and quality management systems.
• Demonstrated capability in data-driven decision making, process design, and operational optimisation.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and influencing skills across all levels.
• Proactive, hands-on and collaborative leadership style with the ability to mentor others and build capability.
• Alignment with Sugar Australia's values – Integrity, Excellence, Passion, Innovation, Teamwork, and Safety.

About Sugar Australia:

Sugar Australia is the nation's trusted partner in sugar and ingredient solutions, enabling our customers to make great products for every home since 1855. We proudly own and operate refineries, packing facilities, sugar silo terminals, and warehouse distribution sites across the country.

You'll find our retail products at your local supermarket under the iconic CSR sugar brand. We also supply refined sugar products and many other ingredients to the industrial, foodservice, and hospitality industries, serving some of the largest brands in the country.

When you join Sugar Australia, you're not just stepping into a job – you're becoming part of a passionate, inclusive, and values-led culture that champions collaboration, learning and continuous improvement.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive salary and benefits package, and exclusive corporate discounts.
• Health and wellbeing programs, regular social events, and employee recognition initiatives.
• Opportunities for career development and ongoing learning.
• A friendly and collaborative culture, grounded in community values.
• Access to our extensive product library – perfect for those with a passion for baking.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.

Apply Now

Join us in transforming the future of sugar manufacturing in Australia. Be part of a team that's proud to create the sweet things Australians love – apply now