Operations Manager

Lead multi-site operations, drive performance, and shape the future of an iconic Australian brand
Sugar Australia has an exciting opportunity for an experienced and strategic Operations Manager to lead operations across key sites within our Northern Loop network. This role is primarily based at our Racecourse facility in Mackay QLD, and also oversees operations at the Mackay Port facility, as well as our depots in Glebe (NSW) and North Fremantle (WA).

Reporting to the General Manager Operations, this senior leadership role offers the opportunity to shape the future of one of Australia's most trusted food manufacturers.

As a multi-site leader, you'll be responsible for managing diverse teams, overseeing end-to-end site operations, and delivering results with a strong focus on safety, quality, customer service, efficiency, and continuous improvement. Regular travel between locations will be required to support teams and ensure alignment across the network.

What you'll be doing:
As the Northern Loop Operations Manager, you will lead the alignment of daily site operations with Sugar Australia's broader business strategy. Working closely with cross-functional teams across multiple locations, you'll drive operational excellence, ensure consistency, and support long-term strategic objectives.

This hands-on, high-impact role suits an experienced senior leader who thrives in complex, fast-paced multi-site production environments and is passionate about building capability, delivering results, and driving a high-performance culture.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading operations across our Racecourse Refinery, Mackay Port, Glebe, and North Fremantle sites, ensuring safe, efficient, and effective daily operations.
• Coordinating activities with Mackay Sugar Leadership and Racecourse Mill to optimise joint operations efficiency.
• Developing and executing our 5 year strategic plan for the Northern Loop, ensuring it aligns with broader business objectives and industry trends.
• Driving operational efficiency through continuous improvement initiatives, cost optimisation, and resource planning.
• Managing site budgets, capital expenditure, and long-term financial planning, ensuring financial targets are met and exceeded.
• Collaborating with internal stakeholders, including leadership teams, engineering, supply chain, quality, and safety, to ensure smooth operations and customer satisfaction.
• Championing and promoting safety and environmental practices across all Northern Loop operations and ensuring compliance with all safety regulations.
• Ensuring Sugar Australia Quality Management Systems and GMP Standards are adhered to and finished products are within agreed specifications.
• Building and leading a high-performance culture by supporting leadership development, team capability, and creating a constructive and results oriented environment.
• Leading capital planning initiatives and delivering key projects that support business growth and operational excellence.

What you'll bring to the role:
We're looking for a practical, results-driven leader experienced in leading diverse multi-site teams, confident in developing and executing long-term strategies that improve performance, efficiency, and sustainable growth.

You'll also bring:

• A tertiary qualification in Engineering, Technical or equivalent (degree or higher).
• Business Management qualification highly desirable.
• 10-15 years' senior operations and leadership experience in process industries (FMCG, manufacturing, or food production preferred).
• Experience in leading multi-site operations and managing teams across different locations.
• Strong financial acumen to drive operational and capital performance.
• Experience in driving continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and building and executing business strategic plans.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to develop teams and build a positive workplace culture.
• Understanding of safety, quality, and environmental compliance.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the business.
• Results-oriented mindset committed to achieving business goals, while maintaining quality 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.

It takes a great team to turn raw sugar into the many food-grade products Australians know and love. From liquid sugars, icings, syrups, and crystals, to our iconic CSR Sugar brand on supermarket shelves, we're behind some of the country's biggest names in the industrial, foodservice, and hospitality sectors.

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 Sugar Australia?
At Sugar Australia, our people are our greatest ingredient. That's why we offer a range of benefits to support your wellbeing, growth, and enjoyment - both at work and in life, including:

• Competitive salary and benefits package, with onsite parking, hybrid work arrangements 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, where you can take pride in representing an iconic Australian brand through our sugar products and branded apparel
• 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
If you're a strategic, hands-on senior operations leader ready to drive multi-site performance and shape the future of Sugar Australia, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now to help create the sweet things Australians love

Business unit Sugar Australia