General Manager - Operations | Ballarat, Victoria

Why Behind This Role

Autonomy & Ownership:

You will report directly to the National Operations Director, taking

full, autonomous responsibility

for the site’s performance, culture, and operational strategy.

High-Impact Role:

Lead a critical 24/7 facility where your decisions directly influence efficiency, quality, and cost control across the entire production chain.

Strong Culture:

Step into a

supportive, inclusive culture

that values its people and is grounded in four strong organisational values:

Passion, Honesty, Accountability, and Boldness.

Exceptional Compensation:

This level of responsibility is rewarded with a highly competitive package:

$160,000 – $200,000 Base Salary + 12% Superannuation + Annual Discretionary Bonus.

Career Growth:

Join a well-regarded and growing Australian manufacturer, offering stability and future development opportunities.

What You’ll Bring To be considered for this role, you must have a proven

demonstrated success as a Senior Operations Manager

overseeing an entire food manufacturing site or large‑scale food production environment.

Strong background across operations, maintenance, and/or safety.

Proven success managing teams and fostering positive team culture.

Experience managing capital projects and improvement initiatives.

Solid knowledge of manufacturing systems, ERP platforms, and lean tools.

Ability to build strong stakeholder relationships internally and externally.

What You’ll Be Responsible For Operational & Production Leadership

Oversee all operational activity across a 24/7, multi‑shift plant.

Lead production planning, factory flow, scheduling, and daily output targets.

Ensure smooth operation across processing, packing, logistics, quality, and maintenance.

People Leadership

Lead and develop a workforce of around 50 employees, including nine direct reports such as the

Milling Manager , Quality Manager, and Maintenance Manager.

Build a high‑performance culture grounded in communication, accountability, and teamwork.

Quality, Compliance & Food Safety

Maintain and elevate quality systems and food safety programs including SQF, HACCP, NASAA Organic, HALAL, Kosher, and GACC.

Ensure all DAFF regulatory obligations and insurance requirements are achieved.

Efficiency, CI & Cost Control

Drive continuous improvement to reduce downtime, waste, and labour‑related costs.

Champion lean methodologies and process optimisation throughout the plant.

Maintenance & Capital Projects

Oversee site‑wide preventative maintenance routines.

Lead capital upgrades, engineering improvements, and equipment investments.

Safety & Environmental Stewardship

Strengthen HSE practices through clear leadership, engagement, and structured training.

Ensure all safety, environmental, and regulatory standards are met or exceeded.

If you are a hands‑on, solutions‑focused leader ready to

take complete ownership

of a dynamic food manufacturing site, we’d love to hear from you.

Join us and contact megan@s8ers.com.au or call Megan Planteras directly on 0440 133 984 for a confidential discussion.

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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