Manufacturing Manager

Hakka; Sydney; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

HAKKA Group is seeking a commercially minded, hands-on Manufacturing Manager to lead Manufacturing and provide functional control of Engineering and Maintenance as one integrated operation. Reporting to the CEO, you will drive safe, quality-compliant and cost-effective production while strengthening asset reliability, production planning and operational improvement.

You will strengthen asset reliability, production planning and operational improvement, while delivering Lean initiatives, CAPEX

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership in food/FMCG or similar complex production.
• Experience leading maintenance and reliability functions.
• MRP2 expertise and production planning capabilities; ERP process improvement.
• Strong CAPEX delivery and data-driven problem solving.
• Proven safety and food quality knowledge with collaborative leadership.

Responsibilities

• Own manufacturing performance across safety, quality, output, labour productivity, yield, waste and conversion cost.
• Provide functional leadership to Engineering and Maintenance, including preventive maintenance, breakdown response, asset reliability and lifecycle planning.
• Lead MRP2, including master production scheduling, materials, capacity planning and shopfloor control.
• Improve ERP discipline and manufacturing data quality; Infor M3 experience is an advantage.
• Lead engineering projects, CAPEX business cases, equipment upgrades, contractor management and commissioning.

Skills

Manufacturing leadership

MRP2

ERP systems

CAPEX/project delivery

Safety & quality

Financial analysis

Education

Engineering qualification

Tools

Infor M3

ERP systems

Job description

HAKKA Group is seeking a commercially minded, hands‑on Manufacturing Manager to lead Manufacturing and provide functional control of Engineering and Maintenance as one integrated operation. Reporting to the CEO, you will drive safe, quality-compliant and cost-effective production while strengthening asset reliability, production planning and operational improvement.

What you will lead

• Own manufacturing performance across safety, food quality, output, labour productivity, yield, waste and conversion cost.
• Provide functional leadership to Engineering and Maintenance, including preventive maintenance, breakdown response, asset reliability, critical spares and equipment lifecycle planning.
• Lead Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP II/MRP2), including master production scheduling, materials, capacity planning and shopfloor control, in collaboration with Planning, Procurement and Warehouse.
• Improve ERP discipline and manufacturing data quality, including BOMs, routings, production transactions and accurate operational reporting; Infor M3 experience is an advantage.
• Lead engineering projects, CAPEX business cases, equipment upgrades, contractor management, commissioning and benefits delivery.
• Partner with QA and WHS to maintain GMP, HACCP, SQF, safe systems of work and effective risk controls.
• Coach production supervisors and engineering leaders; establish clear accountabilities, performance measures and succession capability.
• Drive Lean improvement, structured root-cause analysis, reduced downtime and cross-functional operational performance.

What you will bring

• Substantial progressive manufacturing leadership experience, preferably 10+ years, in food, beverage, FMCG or a similarly complex production environment.
• Deep practical experience in both manufacturing operations and engineering, including leadership of maintenance and reliability functions.
• Formal engineering qualifications are highly desirable; a relevant technical qualification or equivalent substantial experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated MRP2 expertise, production planning capability and experience improving ERP manufacturing processes.
• Evidence of delivering measurable improvements in production, downtime, asset performance, costs and team capability.
• Strong CAPEX/project delivery, financial analysis, safety and food quality knowledge, and a visible, collaborative leadership style.

A senior leadership role with direct access to the CEO, genuine responsibility across Manufacturing and Engineering, and the opportunity to shape asset performance, operational capability and future investment.