Seasonal Knife Sharpener

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.

• Fully supplied and laundered uniform + boots + PPE
• Attractive shift allowance
• Increase in base rate on 01/12 to align with the Simplot National Collective Agreement (NCA)
• Company provided on-site soft tissue specialist appointments
• Regular Saturday OT available - double time rates apply

• 6-month fixed-term, seasonal Knife Sharpener role(s) - commence 10/11/2025
• Starting base rate of $37.18 p/h + 15% afternoon shift loading + Saturday double time
• Day & afternoon shift available
• Saturday OT
• Workshop based role
• Pro-rata leave accruals

Here at Simplot, we're seeking applicants for the seasonal position of Knife Sharpener to join our site Maintenance team on a 6-month fixed-term engagement at our newly developed Bathurst food manufacturing facility - the home of the Chiko Roll.

Simplot Bathurst employs over 250 people and having been a part of the local community since 1926, continues to produce Edgell products, as well as products for Birds Eye and Chiko. An investment of $90 million has recently been completed at the site, transforming Simplot Bathurst into a frozen vegetable centre of excellence, enabling increased production capacity, and ultimately helping to boost local and export volumes.

Commencing early November, the Knife Sharpener will work a day shift hrs) or afternoon shift hrs) Monday to Friday, with regular Saturday overtime (paid at double time rates for all Saturday hours).

Reporting to the Maintenance Manager, Knife Sharpener duties will include (but are not limited to);

• Work within a busy maintenance workshop environment
• Collaborate with the wider Maintenance and Production teams
• Safely plan, inspect and sharpen knife blades for use on a corn cob saw processing line
• Work from a jig, with hand-held & bench based tooling (grinders / sharpening tools)
• Fitting of sharpened blades to fixed-plant processing equipment on the line
• Maintenance / upkeep of sharpening equipment
• General workshop housekeeping
• Participate in shift pre-start meetings
• Contribute to site safety & continuous improvement initiatives

Demonstrating a background in a workshop environment, the successful candidate will posses the following attributes;

• Possess a 100% commitment to safety, health and wellbeing in the workplace
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude / workshop experience - prior work history in a metalwork trade such as fabrication / boilermaking role will be highly regarded
• Knowledge in the safe use & maintenance of workshop equipment / tooling
• Ability to work with minimal supervision whilst working to, and meeting the scheduled Maintenance Plan
• Commitment to 6-month fixed-term employment, commencing early November 2025
• Possess positive communication skills with the ability to liaise with a wide demographic of site employees incl. Maintenance + Production teams
• Willingness to undergo a pre-employment medical assessment (incl. urine based drug & alcohol screening)

Please 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, FRIDAY 17th OCTOBER Simplot reserve the right to commence shortlisting prior to advert closing date.

Job Requisition ID: 23809

Travel Required: None

Location(s): GF Bathurst Plant - Llanarth

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 at