Plant Manager

Nu-Pure Beverages; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Nu-Pure Beverages is seeking a seasoned Plant Manager to lead our Horsley Park site with a focus on safety, quality and continuous improvement. You will drive day-to-day operations, develop a high-performing leadership team and build a culture of accountability and engagement.

You will apply Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to raise reliability, reduce waste and improve productivity, while balancing cost, service and people development across the site.

Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience in FMCG or high-volume manufacturing.
• Strong technical understanding of manufacturing operations, equipment and plant performance.
• Proven experience driving Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement programs.
• Experience applying Six Sigma, root cause analysis and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Track record of improving productivity, reliability, efficiency, quality and cost.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operation of the site and drive long-term performance improvements.
• Lead and develop a high-performing site leadership team and workforce.
• Create a culture built on safety, respect, accountability, wellbeing and continuous improvement.
• Drive employee engagement and foster an environment where people feel valued.
• Champion leadership development, succession planning and capability building.
• Deliver strong results across safety, quality, service, productivity and cost.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing principles to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Use Six Sigma and structured problem-solving to identify root causes and sustainable improvements.
• Partner with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality and Supply Chain to improve reliability.

Skills

Leadership

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Operational Excellence

Root Cause Analysis

People Development

Safety & Quality

Commercial Acumen

Education

Engineering/Manufacturing Degree

Six Sigma Belt (Green/Black)

Job description

Lead the Site. Develop the People. Drive Continuous Improvement.

Nu-Pure Beverages is one of Australia's leading contract beverage manufacturers, producing products for some of Australia's most recognised brands.

We are seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead our Horsley Park manufacturing operation. This is a significant leadership role responsible for the overall performance of the site across safety, quality, food safety, people, service, cost, reliability and continuous improvement.

This opportunity is suited to a leader who is equally passionate about operational excellence and people leadership. Someone who understands the technical side of manufacturing, enjoys being close to the operation, and knows that sustainable results come from engaged, capable and well-supported employees.

About the Role

Reporting to the Senior Manager - Manufacturing, you will lead the day-to-day operation of the site while driving long-term performance improvements across people, processes and equipment.

You will:

• Lead and develop a high-performing site leadership team and workforce.
• Create a culture built on safety, respect, accountability, wellbeing and continuous improvement.
• Drive employee engagement and foster an environment where people feel supported, valued and able to perform at their best.
• Champion leadership development, succession planning and capability building across the site.
• Deliver strong results across safety, quality, service, productivity and cost.
• Use Lean Manufacturing principles to improve efficiency, eliminate waste and strengthen operational performance.
• Apply Six Sigma and structured problem-solving methodologies to identify root causes and deliver sustainable improvements.
• Partner closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality and Supply Chain teams to improve reliability and plant performance.
• Use operational data and insights to drive decision-making and business outcomes.
• Lead change initiatives that strengthen culture, capability and site performance.
• Ensure the site operates in accordance with food safety, quality and regulatory requirements.

About You

You are a hands-on manufacturing leader who is comfortable on the production floor, engaging with employees, solving operational challenges and developing future leaders.

You understand that high-performing sites are built through a combination of strong culture, capable people and disciplined operational execution.

You will bring:

• Significant leadership experience within FMCG, food, beverage or another high-volume manufacturing environment.
• A strong technical understanding of manufacturing operations, equipment, processes and plant performance.
• Demonstrated experience driving Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence or Continuous Improvement programs.
• Experience applying Six Sigma, root cause analysis and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Proven success improving productivity, reliability, efficiency, quality and cost performance.
• Strong emotional intelligence, empathy and interpersonal skills.
• A track record of building engaged, high-performing teams and developing frontline leaders.
• A visible and approachable leadership style that builds trust, accountability and ownership.
• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to balance performance, people and business outcomes.

Highly Regarded

• Tertiary qualifications in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations or a related discipline.
• Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt or equivalent Continuous Improvement certification.
• Experience leading operational transformation or site-wide improvement programs.
• Experience within food, beverage or FMCG manufacturing environments.

Why Join Nu-Pure?

• Lead a strategically important manufacturing operation.
• Influence both the performance and culture of the site.
• Drive meaningful operational improvement and business transformation.
• Join a growing Australian manufacturing business.
• Work with an experienced and supportive leadership team.
• Make a genuine impact on people, performance and long-term business success.