Production Leading Hand

Leading Hand – King Island Dairy

Location: King Island, Tasmania

Full-Time | Under New Management | Hands-On Leadership Role Across the Business

Want to be part of something special on King Island?

We're looking for a motivated and reliable Leading Hand to join the team at King Island Dairy. This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll work across all areas of the business — perfect for someone who thrives in a small, agile team that values craftsmanship, initiative, and quality.

As a key member of the site leadership team, you'll play an important role in shaping daily operations and will work closely with the owner and leadership team to drive excellence across production.

What You'll Do

• Oversee the day-to-day running of the production facility — ensuring operations run smoothly, efficiently, and safely, with production targets achieved.
• Lead and coach the team to build accountability, confidence, and pride in craftsmanship.
• Champion consistency in product quality and food safety to ensure we produce Australia's finest cheese.
• Plan and manage labour, workflow, and staff allocation to meet daily production volumes.
• Identify and remove production bottlenecks in real time to keep operations flowing.
• Collaborate closely with the owner and leadership team to drive continuous improvement in quality, efficiency, and team capability.
• Set the tone for teamwork and excellence — leading by example and fostering a culture of care, safety, and quality.

What We're Looking For

• Experience in food or dairy manufacturing is an advantage, but a strong work ethic and willingness to learn are just as important.
• A solid understanding of hygiene, GMP, and safety principles — with a "safety-first" mindset.
• A natural leader who motivates others through calmness, clarity, and confidence.
• Strong communication and people skills, with the ability to coach and develop individuals and teams.
• Proven problem-solving ability and a hands-on approach to getting things done.
• Technical aptitude in manufacturing and packaging processes, with an eye for detail and process improvement.
• Comfortable working across different areas of the site — from Quality and Packing to Milk Collection and Maintenance.
• A collaborative, positive attitude and the physical capability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Someone who brings energy, initiative, and pride to their work every day.
• 1-2 years of supervisory or leadership experience demonstrating the ability to effectively manage teams and operations.
• Must have Australian work rights at the time of application.

Why Join King Island Dairy?

• Diverse Hands-On Role: Every day brings something new — work across all stages of artisan cheesemaking and see your craft come to life
• Lifestyle & Community: Imagine finishing a day and heading to a pristine beach five minutes away. King Island offers a peaceful lifestyle, a welcoming community, and a easy pace of life surrounded by natural beauty.
• Competitive Salary & Employee Perks: We offer competitive remuneration, product discounts, and opportunities to be involved in new product development.
• Skill Development: Work closely with experienced professionals and the owners themselves. We offer on-the-job training and support as you refine your craft of cheese making.
• Relocation Support: We'll help you get started with short-term accommodation on the island and relocation support for the right candidate.

About King Island Dairy

Located on the rugged coastline of King Island, our dairy is home to one of Australia's most iconic cheese brands. Under new management and backed by an Australian-owned family business, we're entering an exciting growth phase — investing in our people, products, and production capabilities. This is a unique opportunity to work in a pristine natural environment, in a business where your work truly matters.

Apply now and start your cheese journey with King Island Dairy.