General Manager for Operations | Ballarat, Victoria

About the Role We are partnering with a leading Australian Food Production Manufacturing company based in Ballarat, Victoria. This role will report directly to the National Operations Director. As the General Manager Operations, you will be the key operational leader at the site. You will oversee all day-to-day activities, strategic execution, and the performance of a multi‑shift, 24 / 7 production environment.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee 24 / 7 site operations, scheduling, production plans, and processes.

Lead up to 50 staff (direct and indirect), including 9 direct reports.

Optimize operations, maintenance, and labor costs.

Operational Leadership: Overseeing all day‑to‑day operational and site‑related activities, including scheduling, production plans, and processes.

Production Management: Managing all aspects of processing, handling, logistics, quality control, and maintenance across various operations.

Team Management: Leading and managing all site staff, responsible for up to 50 direct and indirect reports. This includes nine direct reports such as the Oat Mill Manager, Quality Manager, and Maintenance Manager.

Quality & Compliance: Overseeing quality management systems and processes (ensuring all accreditations are maintained, such as SQF, HACCP, NASAA organic, HALAL, Kosher, GACC, etc.) and ensuring compliance with DAFF regulations and insurance requirements.

Efficiency & Cost Control: Implementing continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, increase productivity, and control/minimise operational expenditure and labour costs.

Projects & Maintenance: Overseeing and managing all preventative maintenance programs and capital improvement works at the site.

Safety (HSE): Promoting a culture of safety through training, communication, and leadership, and managing all site‑related regulatory and environmental matters.

Essential Requirements

Proven experience in a management position within a food manufacturing environment.

Demonstrated experience managing people and promoting an effective team environment.

Previous experience in manufacturing, maintenance and/or safety.

Excellent understanding of manufacturing and worksite safety.

Experience managing capital projects and continuous improvement projects.

Ability to build collaborative and productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Direct management experience within food manufacturing.

Exposure to Lean Manufacturing (or equivalent) techniques.

Proficiency in manufacturing software and ERP systems.

Salary and Benefits We recognize the complexity and significance of this leadership role and offer a highly competitive compensation package :

Annual Base Salary: $160,000 – $200,000 (depending on experience).

Superannuation: 12% Super (above the required minimum).

Bonus: Discretionary annual bonus.

Culture: A positive and inclusive workplace that values respect, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Values: Championing organizational values of Passion, Honesty, Accountability, and Boldness.

Join us and contact If you are a hands‑on operational leader ready to take on this challenging and rewarding role, we encourage you to apply.

or call Megan Planteras directly on

for a confidential discussion.

Additional Information Think you know the perfect person for this exciting position? Share it with them!

NB: All candidates who meet our client’s shortlist requirements will be contacted. Know someone who would also thrive in the opportunities we have available? Please forward along to them. Thanks!

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