Meat Processing Operations Manager

JBS Australia Group; Corowa; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

JBS Pork Australia is seeking a Plant Manager for the Corowa, NSW facility. You will oversee the overall operations, ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency while developing the team.

The role requires a tertiary qualification or extensive meat processing experience, strong knowledge of Australian meat regulations, and proven leadership, budgeting, and analytical skills to drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification or extensive experience in meat processing operations.
• Knowledge of Australian meat regulations (DAFF, Approved Arrangements, Australian Standards, SQF, Woolworths Manufacturing Standards).
• Experience managing operations, controlling costs, improving productivity, and implementing work systems.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills with data interpretation ability.
• Excellent communication and leadership with people management.
• Advanced computer skills and a valid driver’s license; ability to work varying hours.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to optimise quality, safety, productivity, and operational performance.
• Manage operational and capital budgets, monitor performance, and address variances to achieve targets.
• Drive change, innovation, and effective people management for the team.
• Maintain regulatory compliance, licensing requirements, customer quality standards, and safety expectations.
• Support audits, reviews, and cost-effective maintenance activities with minimal production impact.
• Ensure adherence to company policies and broader organisational objectives.

Skills

Meat processing operations

Operations management

Cost control

Productivity improvement

Work systems

Analytical reporting

Communication & leadership

Education

Tertiary qualification in meat processing/related field

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

About Us

JBS Pork Australia is Australia’s leading integrated agri‑food company, supplying high‑quality pork to domestic and export markets across a network of farming, processing and distribution sites in NSW and VIC. As part of the global JBS group, we offer diverse career paths and the chance to contribute to a sustainable, innovative protein business. Our mission is to be the best in all that we do - focused on superior products and services, trusted supplier partnerships, and a better future for our people.

About the Role

We are recruiting a Plant Manager to join the team at Corowa, NSW. You will be responsible for managing the overall operational requirements and performance of a Pork meat processing facility delivering high-quality products in compliance with JBS safety Standards in an efficient workplace while developing our team members.

Your key responsibilities will include, but not limited to:

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to optimise quality, safety, productivity, and operational performance.
• Manage operational and capital budgets, monitor performance, and address variances to achieve business targets.
• Drive change, innovation, and effective people management, ensuring objectives for self and direct reports are achieved.
• Maintain regulatory compliance, licensing requirements, customer quality standards, and company safety expectations.
• Support and coordinate audits, reviews, and cost‑effective maintenance activities with minimal impact on production.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, procedures, and business requirements while contributing to broader organisational objectives.

About You

The ideal candidate will have:

• Relevant tertiary qualification or extensive experience in meat processing operations.
• Strong knowledge of Australian meat industry regulations, including DAFF Meat Program requirements, Approved Arrangements, Australian Standards, SQF, and Woolworths Manufacturing Standards.
• Proven ability to manage operations, control costs, improve productivity, and implement effective work systems.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills, with experience interpreting technical data and maintaining accurate records.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and people management skills, with the ability to influence and engage teams.
• Advanced computer skills, high attention to detail, confidentiality, flexibility to work varying hours, and a current driver's licence.