Maintenance Operations Manager - Rowville (6 months contract)

ClearCompany; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading dairy company in Melbourne is seeking a skilled Maintenance Operations Manager to lead the maintenance function. You will manage a team to ensure equipment reliability and minimize downtime through continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate has a strong background in dairy manufacturing equipment and experience with automation systems. This role offers a contract for 6 months with a focus on safety and performance standards.

Qualifications

• Hands-on leadership with high standards and team development.
• Focus on collaboration, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.
• Experienced in driving operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Implement data-driven approaches to improve operational efficiency.
• Contribute to impactful CAPEX projects.
• Develop preventative maintenance programs to minimize downtime.

Skills

In-depth understanding of dairy manufacturing equipment

Strong knowledge of automation, PLCs, robotics and SCADA systems

Solid experience delivering CAPEX and Continuous Improvement projects

Demonstrated expertise in Total Productive Maintenance

Proficiency in SAP systems

Job description

Overview

We’re seeking a skilled Maintenance Operations Manager to join our team at Rowville and lead the day-to-day operations of our maintenance function. In this hands-on leadership role, you’ll oversee a team of approximately 18 fitters and electricians, ensuring the reliability and efficiency of plant and equipment across the site. Your focus will be on minimising downtime, driving continuous improvement, and maintaining high safety and performance standards. You’ll collaborate closely with internal departments and external partners to deliver effective maintenance solutions that support our production goals. 6 months contract

Note: 6 months contract

Key Responsibilities

• Continuous Improvement: Implement data-driven approaches and initiatives to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and transition to predictive maintenance.
• Project Support: Contribute towards impactful CAPEX projects to drive operational efficiencies across site.
• Maintenance Excellence: Build team capability in preventative maintenance practices. Promote behaviours aligned with company KPIs and objectives, with a strong focus on safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Preventive Maintenance: Develop and oversee preventive maintenance programs for equipment and plant systems to minimize breakdowns and downtime.

Skills Required

• In-depth understanding of dairy manufacturing equipment and facility maintenance.
• Strong knowledge of automation, PLCs, robotics and SCADA systems.
• Solid experience delivering CAPEX and Continuous Improvement projects.
• Demonstrated expertise in Total Productive Maintenance.
• Proficiency in SAP systems.

About You

You’re a hands-on leader who sets high standards, develops team capability, and drives operational excellence. With a focus on collaboration, problem-solving, and continuous improvement, and you’re ready to make a meaningful impact in a role that blends technical expertise with people leadership.

If this sounds like a great opportunity, we would love to hear from you! Please select "Apply" to submit your CV!

We are Lactalis Australia

We are owned by the Lactalis Group, the world’s largest producer of dairy goods. With a range of more than 2,000 products, Lactalis is committed to playing a daily role in the health and well-being of consumers throughout the world, via the provision of nutritious dairy products - milk, cheese, yoghurt and other soft foods and beverages.

At the heart of our business locally, we have over 2,700 passionate employees, working closely and constructively with some 500 Australian farmers to produce the finest dairy products in the country.

Pillar brands such as Pauls, Oak, Ice Break, Tamar Valley Dairy, Vaalia and President provide Lactalis Australia with a deep national footprint for growth and prosperity.

We are a growing global company that takes great pride in who we are. We are humble, proud and resilient. Our brands, people and know how define who we are. We provide a workplace that delivers the opportunity to drive your development and believe that true success comes from us. Collaboration, flexibility and diversity are pillars of our environment. With knowledge and experience we encourage you to make a difference!