Production Manager

Pact Group Holdings Ltd; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading packaging solutions firm in Melbourne seeks an experienced Production Manager to oversee operations at an automated recycling facility. The role includes responsibility for end-to-end manufacturing, leading safety and quality initiatives, and engaging a team of 30 production operators. Ideal candidates will have a background in plastics manufacturing or recycling, and strong leadership and analytical skills. A Bachelor’s degree and experience with lean manufacturing practices are required.

Qualifications

• Solid tenure and people leadership experience in manufacturing.
• Experience in plastics manufacturing and/or recycling.
• Background in high-volume environments.
• Strong leadership, analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead a strong safety-first culture with full compliance to WHSE legislation.
• Deliver production targets of approximately 20,000 tonnes per annum.
• Lead lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage production schedules to achieve DIFOT targets.
• Deliver production targets of approximately 20,000 tonnes per annum.
• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned to KPIs.
• Ensure products are manufactured to specification and delivered on time.
• Resolve process capability and “fit for manufacture” issues.
• Ensure accountability to quality standards.
• Continuous Improvement: lead lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Use data and analytics to drive decision‑making.
• Lead, coach and develop operational teams.
• Drive performance management and engagement.
• Support training, capability development and succession planning.
• Manage production schedules to achieve DIFOT targets.

Skills

Leadership skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Manufacturing experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing or Business

Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma training

Knowledge of Australian WHS regulations

Tools

ERP systems

MES systems

Job description

Circular Plastics Australia was formed by a unique industry partnership determined to provide more sustainable packaging solutions. We have leveraged the unique skills and complementary expertise of each like minded joint venture partner to build scaled end-to-end solutions that will successfully accelerate a local circular economy.

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Production Manager to join our Site Leadership Team, with full accountability for end-to-end manufacturing operations at a highly automated recycling facility producing approximately 20,000 tonnes of recycled resin per year.

This is a senior operational leadership role, with 4 direct reports and a team of 30 production operators. You will be responsible for driving safety, quality, delivery, cost performance, and employee engagement across a multi-shift operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Workplace Health, Safety & Environment (WHSE): lead a strong safety‑first culture with full compliance to WHSE legislation and site procedures
• Partner with WHSE teams to implement and monitor safety systems and risk controls
• Conduct safety audits and investigations, ensuring corrective actions are implemented
• Oversee manufacturing activities across three shifts (24/5 and 24/7)
• Deliver production targets of approximately 20,000 tonnes per annum
• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned to KPIs
• Ensure products are manufactured to specification and delivered on time
• Resolve process capability and “fit for manufacture” issues
• Ensure accountability to quality standards
• Continuous Improvement: lead lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
• Use data and analytics to drive decision‑making
• Lead, coach and develop operational teams
• Drive performance management and engagement
• Support training, capability development and succession planning
• Manage production schedules to achieve DIFOT targets

About You

• Solid tenure and people leadership experience in manufacturing
• Experience in plastics manufacturing and/or recycling
• Background in high‑volume environments
• Strong leadership, analytical and communication skills

Qualifications

• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma training
• Experience with ERP / MES systems
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing or Business
• Knowledge of Australian WHS regulations