Job Description

Operations Manager – Snack Food Manufacturing

📍 Location: Greater Dandenong, VIC (On-site)

Lead operations for a growing, quality-focused food manufacturing business in Melbourne’s southeast.

About the Company

Our client is an established manufacturer and supplier of snack food products, servicing major retailers and customers across Australia. Based in the Greater Dandenong region, this high-performing business is known for its innovation, quality, and commitment to customer satisfaction.

As part of an exciting growth phase, they are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead site operations, drive performance improvements, and partner closely with customers and internal teams to deliver excellence in production and supply chain outcomes.

Why Join?

✅ Strategic leadership role in a growing business
✅ Work directly with business owners and influence company direction
✅ Lead a large, experienced team across production, logistics, and quality
✅ Partner closely with major customers on operational performance
✅ Attractive six-figure salary with long-term career prospects

About the Role

The Operations Manager will oversee daily site operations across production, warehouse, and quality functions. Reporting directly to the business owners, you will be responsible for managing team performance, meeting customer service targets, and delivering operational improvements aligned with business growth.

This role requires hands-on leadership, strong commercial insight, and a proactive approach to collaboration with internal stakeholders and key customers.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership

• Lead and mentor department heads across Production, Warehouse, and Quality

• Support and guide a site team of approximately 100 staff

• Foster collaboration between departments and build operational alignment

Operational Delivery

• Achieve DIFOT (Delivery In Full On Time) targets

• Oversee manufacturing processes and production schedules

• Coordinate logistics and delivery in line with customer expectations

• Support quality audits and address product issues in real time

Customer Collaboration

• Work with Sales and key customers to manage packaging requirements, new product development, pricing input, and tender responses

Reporting & KPIs

• Establish clear performance metrics and report regularly on operational outcomes

• Deliver actionable insights to improve process and team performance

Continuous Improvement

• Identify efficiency gaps and implement cost-saving initiatives

• Drive process optimisation and best practice across departments

Budget Management

• Develop, manage, and report on operational budgets

• Ensure resource allocation aligns with strategic and financial goals

What You Bring

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a manufacturing operations leadership role

• Strong background in food, snack, or confectionery production highly regarded

• Experience leading large site teams and managing interdepartmental operations

• Familiarity with production standards and customer supply expectations for major retailers

• Proactive and collaborative leadership style with strong interpersonal skills

• Proven track record in maintaining quality, safety, and compliance standards

• Analytical mindset with a focus on performance improvement and cost control

What’s on Offer

• Competitive six-figure salary package

• Stable and growing business with a strong market presence

• Opportunity to shape operational strategy and drive meaningful improvements

• Direct engagement with business leadership and key customers

• Supportive team environment and positive workplace culture

Apply Now

This is a rare opportunity for an experienced operations leader to step into a high-impact role with a well-established and expanding food manufacturer. If you have the skills, background, and ambition to take operational performance to the next level