Production Shift Manager - Days

Darrell Lea; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Darrell Lea is seeking an experienced Production Shift Manager for their Rowville manufacturing facility, on the day shift. You will report to the Manufacturing Manager and lead production teams to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality output.

This permanent, Monday–Friday role may include occasional weekend coverage during the year. You will work with production, maintenance, QA, and other teams to meet schedules, uphold food safety, and drive improvements.

Qualifications

• Three years' production leadership experience in food manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of production processes, machinery, QA, food safety, and maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Ensure workplace health and safety is at the forefront of operations.
• Coach, motivate, develop, and train team members with clear expectations.
• Lead by example; reinforce policies and drive adherence to procedures.
• Maintain and improve quality, food safety, and hygiene standards and take corrective actions when needed.
• Achieve production targets through effective team leadership and support.
• Collaborate with maintenance to understand machinery performance and reliability.
• Monitor KPIs and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Review production team working hours and schedules.
• Drive continuous improvement across processes, quality, safety, and team performance.
• Support product development and product commercialization to excite customers.

Skills

People leadership

Safety & quality

Cross-functional leadership

Team development

Communication

Continuous improvement

Education

Tertiary qualifications in Applied Science, Food Science, Mechanical/Electrical/Process Engineering or Continuous Improvement

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

This is the opportunity you've been waiting for!!!!!!

Darrell Lea is recruiting an experienced and motivated individual to join our team as a Production Shift Manager on the day shift at our Rowville manufacturing facility.

No day is the same at Darrell Lea, so be prepared to be on the go. Reporting to the Manufacturing Manager, this key role is responsible for providing strong leadership and ensuring production operates in the safest, most efficient, and cost-effective manner. So if you are looking to make a difference as a part of a small but talented leadership team, we want to talk to you.

This is a permanent role, working Monday to Friday, with expectations to support directly and indirectly weekend production operations infrequently throughout the year.

About the role

The Production Shift Manager will work closely with production, maintenance, QA, and other relevant teams to ensure production schedules are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.

We are looking for an all-round food manufacturing leader to bring to our lean site leadership team a strong understanding of production processes, machinery, preventative maintenance cycles, quality assurance, food safety, and workplace health and safety.

Most importantly, we are looking for a strong people leader who can build, develop, and train teams to succeed. Someone who leads by example, motivates people, sets clear expectations, and creates an environment where team members can grow, improve, and thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure workplace health and safety is at the forefront of everything we do.
• Coach, Motivate, develop, and train team members through clear expectations and constructive feedback.
• Lead by example and continually develop and reinforce company policies and procedures.
• Maintain and improve quality, food safety, and hygiene standards, taking corrective action when required.
• Ensure production targets are achieved through effective team leadership and support.
• Work closely with maintenance teams to understand machinery performance, maintenance cycles, and equipment reliability.
• Monitor and report on KPIs, identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Review and report production team working hours.
• Drive continuous improvement across production processes, quality, safety, and team performance.
• Support product development and product commercialisation to continue to excite DL customers

About You

The successful applicant will have:

• A minimum of three years' production leadership experience within food manufacturing. A food manufacturing background is essential.
• A strong understanding of food manufacturing processes, machinery, QA, food safety, and maintenance requirements.
• A sound understanding of workplace health and safety and quality standards.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams.
• A proven track record of delivering results and cultural change outcomes.
• Tertiary qualifications in Applied Science, Food Science, Mechanical/Electrical/Process Engineering or Continuous Improvement will be highly regarded

In addition, you will have:

• A proven ability to lead, develop, and train teams to achieve success.
• The ability to balance people, safety, quality, and production targets.
• A hands-on approach and willingness to work alongside your team on the production floor.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and a sense of urgency.
• The ability to lead change and promote continuous improvement.
• Strong collaboration and influencing skills.
• Intermediate computer skills, including the Microsoft Office suite.

Rite Bite Group is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to contribute, develop, and succeed. We value different perspectives and believe in fostering a culture of fairness, respect, and collaboration.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. If you require any adjustments during the application or interview process, we will do our best to support you.

Our site is located just off Wellington Road, with onsite staff parking.

Join us in building a strong team and a workplace where everyone can grow and thrive!