Plant Manager - Meat Processing

Randstad; Shepparton; On-site; AUD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a seasoned Plant Manager for a high-volume meat processing facility in Regional Victoria. This full-time role requires a hands-on operational leader with a strong background in regulated food manufacturing. Candidates should have at least 7 years of experience in plant management, with proven skills in cost management, quality assurance, and team leadership. The ideal applicant will be responsible for driving efficiency and maintaining high food safety standards while leading a diverse team.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior Plant Management role within a Food Manufacturing environment.
• 7+ years as a Plant Manager.
• Deep practical knowledge of HACCP and Food Safety/Quality Systems.
• Ability to manage and meet strict cost and labor budgets.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of cost management and monitor production performance.
• Maintain compliance with food safety and quality standards.
• Lead and develop Production staff and Supervisors.
• Develop long-term strategies for site growth and capabilities.
• Resolve critical quality and food safety issues.

Skills

Leadership

Cost Management

Quality Assurance

HACCP Knowledge

Team Management

Communication

Job description

Randstad has been exclusively engaged by a highly respected food manufacturing client in Regional Victoria (North) to recruit a seasoned and strategic Plant Manager for a high-volume meat processing facility. This is a critical, full-time, on-site leadership role responsible for the entire operational and commercial performance of the production facility.

If you are a hands-on operational leader with deep expertise in regulated manufacturing and are looking for a significant career move, this is your chance to lead a high-performing site focused on quality and growth.

The Opportunity

As the Plant Manager, you will be the ultimate authority on site operations, reporting directly to Senior Management. Your focus will be driving efficiency, maintaining industry-leading Food Safety standards, and strategically developing the site and your team to handle increased volume and product lines.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational & Cost Leadership: Take full ownership of cost management, including direct labor, material wastage, and inventory. Monitor daily production and performance data to initiate immediate corrective actions and meet strict budget objectives.
• Quality & Compliance Authority: Maintain and exceed company standards for product quality and food safety. Ensure 100% compliance with all legislative guidelines, HACCP, and the documented Approved Arrangement.
• People & Culture Development: Lead, mentor, and organize all Production staff and Supervisors. Plan daily schedules, manage training programs, and conduct regular performance reviews to build a highly skilled and motivated workforce.
• Site Strategy & Growth: Oversee general site upkeep and develop long-term strategies to expand manufacturing capabilities, anticipate customer needs, and achieve future volume targets.
• Issue Resolution: Act as the final point of contact for resolving critical quality, environmental, engineering, and food safety issues as they arise.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate will be a decisive, experienced professional with a strong track record in a highly regulated production environment.

• Proven experience in a senior Plant Management role within a Food Manufacturing environment. (Ideally Lamb Industry or Meat)
• Experience in a similar role- at least 7+ years as a Plant Manager
• Deep practical knowledge and implementation experience of HACCP and advanced Food Safety/Quality Systems.
• Exceptional ability to manage and meet strict cost and labor budgets and identify opportunities for waste reduction.
• A natural leader with demonstrable experience in training, motivating, and managing large, diverse teams.
• Strong understanding of engineering, maintenance, and facility upkeep.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to report on critical performance metrics and statutory requirements to the Management Team and regulatory bodies.

I am looking forward to hearing from you!

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.