Production Manager – Bulk

Saputo Inc.; Cobram; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Saputo Inc. in Cobram, Australia, is seeking a Production Manager - Bulk to lead a team of 80+ employees in our bulk cheese facility.

Reporting to the Factory Manager – Bulk, you will drive safety, quality, and productivity on the factory floor while delivering production targets. This highly visible leadership role requires hands-on problem solving, capability development, and collaboration with Quality, Maintenance, HR and Planning teams.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading large production teams.
• Strong leadership skills with ability to drive accountability and engagement.
• Experience managing performance, attendance and employee relations matters.
• Background in manufacturing operations within a complex production environment.
• Excellent communication, organisational and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability.
• Experience working with production KPIs and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead a large production workforce through a team of Supervisors.
• Drive a safety-first culture and ensure compliance with site and company standards.
• Deliver production, quality and labour performance targets.
• Manage workforce planning, rostering, leave approvals and labour utilisation.
• Partner closely with Quality, Maintenance, Reliability, HR and Production Planning teams.
• Lead investigations, root cause analysis and problem-solving initiatives.
• Manage employee performance, attendance, engagement and capability development.
• Drive continuous improvement activities that enhance productivity and operational performance.
• Ensure GMP, HACCP and food safety standards are consistently maintained.

Skills

People leadership

Manufacturing ops

Performance mgmt

Continuous improvement

KPIs

Job description

At Saputo, we bring good to the table by making high-quality products, investing in our people, and supporting communities around the world. As a top 10 global dairy processor, we value contributions that matter and strive to foster an inclusive, growth-driven work environment. Ready to bring your best?

Are you an experienced manufacturing leader who thrives in fast‑paced production environments and enjoys leading large teams to achieve outstanding results?

About The Role

Reporting to the Factory Manager – Bulk, the Production Manager - Bulk is responsible for the day‑to‑day leadership and performance of the bulk cheese manufacturing operation. Leading a team of approximately 80+ employees through two direct‑report Supervisors, you will be accountable for delivering production targets while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, reliability, and workforce engagement.

This is a highly visible leadership role where success comes from being present on the factory floor, developing capability within your team, problem‑solving operational challenges, and driving continuous improvement outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop a large production workforce through a team of Supervisors.
• Drive a strong safety‑first culture and ensure compliance with site and company standards.
• Deliver production, quality and labour performance targets.
• Manage workforce planning, rostering, leave approvals and labour utilisation.
• Partner closely with Quality, Maintenance, Reliability, HR and Production Planning teams.
• Lead investigations, root cause analysis and problem‑solving initiatives.
• Manage employee performance, attendance, engagement and capability development.
• Drive continuous improvement activities that enhance productivity, reliability and operational performance.
• Ensure GMP, HACCP and food safety standards are consistently maintained.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will bring strong leadership capability combined with proven manufacturing operations experience.

You will have:

• Demonstrated experience leading large production or manufacturing teams.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to drive accountability and engagement.
• Experience managing performance, attendance and employee relations matters.
• A background in manufacturing operations within a complex production environment.
• Excellent communication, organisational and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making capability.
• Experience working with production KPIs and continuous improvement initiatives.

Highly regarded

• Dairy manufacturing experience.
• Cheese manufacturing experience.
• Food manufacturing leadership experience.
• Exposure to GMP, HACCP and food safety systems.

What's in it for You?

• Lead a large‑scale, complex manufacturing operation with genuine influence on business outcomes.
• Opportunity to shape culture, performance and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Permanent full‑time position.
• Monday to Friday structure.
• No regular night shifts or weekend roster requirements.
• Career development opportunities within a global dairy organisation.
• Competitive salary package plus bonus opportunity.
• On‑site parking.
• Enjoy the lifestyle benefits of beautiful Cobram, located on the Murray River.

As a leading dairy processor in Australia, Saputo produces, markets, and distributes a variety of products, with a portfolio of well‑loved brands such as Devondale, Liddells, CHEER, Mersey Valley and Tasmanian Heritage. Our people bring these popular brands to life, while servicing our farming communities and through our AG Warehouse network.

Whether your expertise lies in manufacturing, operations, supply chain, sales, quality assurance, or in any other function, your role is integral to our success. You will make contributions that matter, all while working alongside colleagues who genuinely care about your success and who will roll up their sleeves to help.