Chief Production Officer: Lead Multisite Ops & Lean

New Chapter Talent; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Waverley Social Enterprises is seeking a Chief Production Officer to lead production and operations across three sites and five divisions, with P&L accountability and a focus on sustainable employment for people living with disabilities.

You will drive productivity, strengthen systems, and develop leaders while fostering an inclusive, high-performing culture. Regular site presence and coordination with ELT are essential, with some days from home as operational needs allow.

Qualifications

• Senior operations leader with multi-site experience.
• Strong commercial judgement and track record of improving performance through people, processes and systems.
• Experience in manufacturing, packing and assembly, food production, logistics or diverse service operations, preferably in social enterprise contexts.

Responsibilities

• Lead production/operations across three sites and five divisions: Packing, Assembly, Catering, Grounds Maintenance and Onsite Labour.
• Improve operational performance with a focus on productivity, planning, inventory control and warehousing.
• Implement practical continuous improvement using Lean and 5S; reduce waste and simplify processes.
• Strengthen planning, stock visibility and reliable delivery; enhance warehousing operations.
• Collaborate with sales and the Executive Leadership Team to balance customer needs with capacity and commercial outcomes.
• Develop and empower managers, fostering accountability and an inclusive, supportive workplace.

Skills

P&L ownership

Executive leadership

Production planning

Warehousing

Inventory management

Lean

5S

Change management

Stakeholder management

Cross-site leadership

Job description

Waverley Social Enterprises is seeking a Chief Production Officer to lead production and operations across three sites and five divisions, with P&L accountability and a focus on sustainable employment for people living with disabilities.

You will drive productivity, strengthen systems, and develop leaders while fostering an inclusive, high-performing culture. Regular site presence and coordination with ELT are essential, with some days from home as operational needs allow.