Operations Manager - Fresh Produce

Premier Fresh Australia; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

A supportive team environment

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Novated leasing

Team events and activities

Exclusive employee discounts (Flare)

Health and wellbeing benefits (Medibnk

Weekly pay

Job summary

Premier Fresh Australia in Melbourne seeks an experienced Operations Manager or high-performing Production Manager to lead a fast-paced fresh produce operation. You will drive safety, quality, productivity and customer-focused results while building a strong team culture.

The role offers flexibility to focus on site-wide operations or day-to-day production, with accountability, energy and a continuous improvement mindset at the core.

Qualifications

• Experience leading operations, production, or manufacturing in fast-paced environments.
• Track record of improving efficiency, reducing waste and delivering measurable results.
• Strong knowledge of production planning, labour management and KPIs.
• Experience with perishable products and multi-shift operations is advantageous.
• Excellent communication and ability to develop and coach staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop teams to build a high-performance culture.
• Drive daily operational and production performance against KPIs.
• Improve labour productivity, resource planning, output and cost efficiency.
• Oversee production planning, scheduling and workflow to meet customer requirements.
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste and unnecessary costs.
• Maintain high standards of workplace safety and quality compliance.
• Collaborate with sales, quality, logistics and other stakeholders to deliver service.
• Analyse performance, identify root causes and implement practical improvements.
• Take ownership of challenges and deliver results.

Skills

Operations management

People leadership

Production planning

Labour management

Continuous improvement

Lean manufacturing

Quality and safety

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Are you an experienced Operations Manager looking to take ownership of a fast-paced operation, or a high-performing Production Manager ready to step up and make your mark?

At Premier Fresh Australia, we're looking for a driven, capable and people-focused leader to join our Melbourne team.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-moving environment, knows how to get the best out of people and has a genuine passion for operational excellence.

We're open to considering candidates from both Operations Management and Production Management backgrounds. The scope of the role will be aligned to the experience, strengths and capability of the successful candidate.

What matters most is finding the right leader who can bring energy, accountability and a continuous improvement mindset to our business.

The Opportunity

Working within our fresh produce operation, you'll play a key leadership role in driving operational performance, building a strong team culture and ensuring we consistently deliver on safety, quality, productivity and customer expectations.

Depending on your experience, your focus may be on leading the broader site operation or taking ownership of day-to-day production performance, working closely with senior operational leadership.

Either way, you'll be expected to lead from the front, challenge the status quo and create an environment where people are engaged, supported and accountable.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead, coach and develop teams, building a positive, high-performance culture.
• Drive daily operational and production performance against key KPIs.
• Improve labour productivity, resource planning, output and cost efficiency.
• Oversee production planning, scheduling and workflow to meet customer requirements.
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste, rework and unnecessary costs.
• Maintain high standards of workplace health and safety, food safety and quality compliance.
• Strengthen operational processes, systems and accountability across the team.
• Work collaboratively with sales, quality, logistics and other key stakeholders to deliver exceptional service.
• Analyse performance, identify root causes and implement practical, sustainable improvements.
• Take ownership of operational challenges, make sound decisions and deliver results.

For candidates with broader Operations Management experience, the role may also include responsibility for site budgets, inventory, transport and logistics, equipment, facilities and overall operational strategy.

What We're Looking For

We're interested in speaking with leaders who have a proven ability to deliver results through people.

You’ll ideally bring:

• Demonstrated leadership experience in operations, production, manufacturing or a similar fast-paced environment.
• Experience in fresh produce, food manufacturing, FMCG or other high-volume production environments.
• Strong knowledge of production planning, labour management, productivity and operational KPIs.
• A track record of improving efficiency, reducing waste and delivering measurable results.
• Sound understanding of workplace safety, food safety and quality standards.
• The confidence to make difficult decisions while remaining fair, approachable and respectful.
• Strong problem-solving skills, commercial awareness and a hands‑on approach.
• The ability to develop supervisors and team leaders, set clear expectations and build accountability.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage people at all levels.
• Experience with perishable products, multi‑shift operations, inventory management, Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement will be highly regarded.

The Kind of Leader Who Will Thrive Here

We're not simply looking for someone who can manage processes and hit numbers.

We want someone who can bring people together, lift standards and build a team that takes pride in its performance.

You’ll be someone who:

• Leads with energy, confidence and a visible presence.
• Is comfortable being hands‑on while also seeing the bigger picture.
• Holds people accountable without losing their respect.
• Builds trust, develops capability and brings people along through change.
• Challenges existing ways of working and looks for better solutions.
• Takes ownership, follows through and delivers on commitments.
• Balances commercial results with genuine care for people.

Why Join Premier Fresh Australia?

This is an opportunity to make a real impact in a dynamic fresh produce business where operational excellence, teamwork and customer service matter.

You'll have the opportunity to influence how the operation performs, develop your leadership capability and contribute to meaningful improvements across the site.
When you join us, you can enjoy:

• A supportive team environment – work alongside people who value collaboration, respect and getting the job done together.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – access support and resources to help you manage personal and work-related challenges.
• Novated leasing – access to novated car leasing options, subject to eligibility and program terms.
• Team events and activities – opportunities to connect with colleagues, celebrate achievements and build relationships beyond the day-to-day work.
• Exclusive employee discounts: Access discounts on a range of leading brands and products through our partnership with Flare, including participating retailers such as Samsung and Optus.
• Health and wellbeing benefits: Access our Medibank health insurance partnership, with available offers and benefits designed to support your wellbeing.
• Weekly pay – Enjoy the convenience and consistency of being paid every week.

Interested?

Whether you're an established Operations Manager looking for your next challenge or an ambitious Production Manager ready to take on greater responsibility, we'd love to hear from you.