Facility Plant Manager

Location: Sommerville, VIC, 3912

Full-Time: Immediate start

Job Title: Facility Plant Manager

Salary range: $90,000 - $110,000

Job Closure date: 30 days

About our client

Our client is a prominent leader in the FMCG sector, specialising in sophisticated agricultural production and state-of-the-art food manufacturing. With advanced facilities on the Mornington Peninsula, they are dedicated to delivering premium, fresh products through integrated operations that span from paddock to plate. Their commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainable practices is reflected in their cutting-edge processing plants and controlled environment agriculture systems. They are seeking an operational leader to drive excellence in their manufacturing facility.

About the Role

On behalf of our client, we are seeking a high-performing Facility Plant Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of their advanced production facility. Reporting directly to the GM of Victorian Manufacturing, you will be responsible for driving production performance, optimising processes, and leading a dedicated team in a fast-paced FMCG environment. The ideal candidate will be a hands-on leader with strong operational acumen, capable of thinking strategically while ensuring production targets are consistently met without compromising on quality or safety.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Production Management

• Provide direct leadership and direction to the production team, overseeing all daily floor operations and ensuring seamless coordination between production, logistics, and sales teams
• Develop, organise, and execute detailed production schedules, effectively allocating factory labour and resources in line with planned work and process requirements
• Manage the complete product lifecycle from raw materials to finished goods, ensuring optimal workflow, minimal waste, and strict adherence to quality specifications
• Oversee all temperature-controlled environments, ensuring cool rooms and processing areas maintain optimal operating conditions for product integrity and shelf-life

Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement

• Analyse production data and KPIs to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement, implementing corrective actions to enhance operational performance
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement through the implementation and maintenance of operational standards including Visual Management, SOPs, and Work Instructions
• Manage both planned and breakdown maintenance programs, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal performance of all production equipment and facilities
• Lead efficiency initiatives that balance speed with quality, ensuring products are packed to specification while meeting all production targets and customer requirements

Team Development & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Recruit, train, and develop production staff and shift supervisors, building team capability and ensuring appropriate leadership across all shifts
• Provide effective coaching and mentorship to team members, fostering a performance-driven culture while maintaining high levels of engagement and safety awareness
• Facilitate clear communication and collaboration between production, logistics, and supply chain teams to ensure product availability meets dispatch requirements
• Manage operational escalations and challenges with decisiveness, implementing solutions that maintain production continuity and quality standards

Quality & Compliance Management

• Implement and maintain rigorous quality control processes for both raw materials and finished goods, ensuring consistent product quality that meets customer specifications
• Oversee inventory management of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods, maintaining accuracy and optimizing stock levels to support production schedules
• Ensure all production activities comply with food safety standards, OH&S requirements, and company policies, promoting a culture of safety and compliance
• Monitor and report on production performance, providing regular updates to senior management and recommending strategic improvements

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• A degree in Engineering, Food Science, Operations Management, or a related field is essential
• Proven post-qualification experience in a manufacturing or plant management role within the FMCG, food processing, or fresh produce sectors
• Demonstrated experience in leading production teams, managing operational performance, and driving continuous improvement initiatives

Essential Skills & Attributes

• Strong analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to make data-driven decisions in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with team members, senior management, and cross-functional stakeholders
• A hands-on, committed leadership style with the desire to lead from the front and drive a culture of excellence and continuous improvement
• Proven ability to work autonomously, showing initiative and resilience while effectively managing multiple priorities in a dynamic manufacturing setting
• Strong problem-solving capabilities with the capacity to manage escalations and implement effective solutions under pressure

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