Plant Manager

Randstad; City of Greater Shepparton; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Randstad is recruiting a Plant Manager to oversee end-to-end operations at a leading lamb processing facility in Victoria. You will direct slaughter, boning, packaging, dispatch and logistics to ensure safety, quality and profitability.

The role demands strong leadership, capability to manage budgets, drive Lean improvements and ensure compliance with food safety, export and WHS standards while developing a high-performing team.

Qualifications

• Direct experience with lamb processing is required.
• 2+ years leading large teams in lamb processing or manufacturing.
• Extensive leadership in meat processing or primary protein operations.
• Proven track record in budget management, cost control and yield optimization.
• Deep expertise in food safety compliance and WHS standards.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily plant workflows to hit production targets and optimize yields.
• Lead quality and food safety audits, regulatory compliance and corrective actions.
• Champion WHS policies and risk assessments.
• Recruit and develop supervisors and staff to sustain safety and performance.
• Oversee supply chain, inventory and cold storage dispatch.
• Partner with maintenance and engineering to minimize downtime and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Operational Leadership

Budget Management

Team Leadership

Lean Process Improvement

Food Safety WHS

Job description

Randstad is exclusively recruiting for a Plant Manager to oversee end-to-end operations at a leading meat processing facility. This critical leadership position oversees slaughter, boning, packaging, dispatch, and logistics to ensure high-quality production, safety, and operational profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership & Finance: Direct daily plant workflows to hit production targets, eliminate bottlenecks, and optimize yields. Manage operating and capital budgets while implementing cost-reduction strategies.
• Quality & Food Safety: Enforce strict regulatory standards and export certifications. Lead internal/external audits, compliance checks, and corrective action implementations.
• Workplace Health & Safety (WHS): Champion safety policies, perform risk assessments, manage biosecurity, and oversee cold-room safety protocols.
• Team Leadership: Recruit, mentor, and evaluate supervisors, operators, and staff while driving a strong safety and performance culture.
• Supply Chain & Inventory: Oversee livestock, packaging, and raw material procurement. Manage cold-storage dispatches and finished goods inventory.
• Maintenance & Continuous Improvement: Partner with engineering teams to minimize unplanned downtime. Track KPIs (yield, waste, safety, output) to lead lean process improvements.

Requirements & Experience

• Must have direct experience working with lamb processing.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience managing large teams in a lamb processing or manufacturing environment.
• Extensive leadership background within meat processing or primary protein operations.
• Proven track record in budget management, cost control, and yield optimization.
• Deep expertise in food safety compliance, export regulations, and WHS standards.

At Randstad, we are passionate about providing equal employment opportunities and embracing diversity to the benefit of all. We actively encourage applications from any background.