Production Manager

i-Pharm Consulting; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Our client in Melbourne is a leading Australian contract manufacturer focused on pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, and therapeutic products. They seek a Production Manager to oversee manufacturing operations, drive efficiency, and uphold safety, quality and productivity across the plant.

You will lead supervisors and collaborate with engineering, QA, and R&D on trials and new product launches, while managing budgets, documentation, and training.

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams in a food manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to analyse, propose, and implement process improvements.
• Experience developing SOPs and training teams in best practices.
• Strong attention to detail and process orientation.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional influence.

Responsibilities

• Drive production efficiencies and reduce waste across operations.
• Develop, implement, and maintain production documentation and procedures.
• Support cost control initiatives and budget management.
• Lead and engage supervisors and team leaders; ensure accurate production reporting.
• Collaborate with engineering and contractors on maintenance planning and records.
• Ensure all plant equipment is operated safely, hygienically, and efficiently.
• Oversee daily start-up procedures and operational readiness.
• Support workforce planning, training, and staff inductions.
• Partner with R&D on new product trials and implementation.
• Work closely with QA to troubleshoot process and equipment issues.
• Liaise with off-site co-packers to ensure alignment and quality standards.

Skills

Leadership

Process improvement

SOP development

Team training

Effective communication

Continuous improvement

Attention to detail

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Engineering or Food Science degree

Job description

Our client is a leading Australian contract manufacturer (CMO) focused on pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, and therapeutic products. As a Production Manager, you’ll be responsible for manufacturing operations, drive efficiency improvements, and ensure high standards across safety, quality, and productivity.

Responsibilities include:

• Drive production efficiencies and reduce waste across operations
• Develop, implement, and maintain production documentation and procedures
• Support cost control initiatives and budget management
• Lead and engage supervisors and team leaders; ensure accurate production reporting
• Collaborate with engineering and contractors on maintenance planning and records
• Ensure all plant equipment is operated safely, hygienically, and efficiently
• Oversee daily start-up procedures and operational readiness
• Support workforce planning, training, and staff inductions
• Partner with R&D on new product trials and implementation
• Work closely with QA to troubleshoot process and equipment issues
• Liaise with off-site co-packers to ensure alignment and quality standards

Skills/Experience

• Tertiary qualifications in Engineering or Food Science
• Experience in leadership in a food manufacturing environment
• Experience in snack bars, protein bars, chocolate or confectionery manufacturing is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to analyse, recommend, and implement process improvements
• Experience developing SOPs and training teams in best practices
• Strong process orientation with excellent attention to detail
• Effective communicator with the ability to influence across teams
• Hands-on, proactive, and driven to deliver continuous improvement