Program Manager - Advanced Manufacturing

Australian Meat Processor Corporation; North Sydney Council; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Modern North Sydney office

Hybrid working options

Additional leave benefits

Diverse project exposure

Job summary

Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) is North Sydney-based, driving world-class innovation in red meat processing. The Program Manager, Advanced Manufacturing, leads development, implementation and oversight of AMPC's largest program, spanning robotics, automation, AI, machine learning, and related advanced manufacturing solutions.

The role requires leading cross‑industry collaboration with processors, researchers and technology partners, delivering programs from inception to completion

Qualifications

• 7+ years in the meat industry, food processing, or similar advanced manufacturing environments.
• Ability to build and understand commercial business cases for R&D investments.
• Experience in initiating and guiding problem-led R&D programs.
• Knowledge of program management principles and delivery frameworks.
• Ability to review mechanical CAD designs and layouts.
• Mechatronics, mechanical or electrical engineering background in automation is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Manage development, implementation and oversight of AMPC's Advanced Manufacturing programs.
• Lead program initiatives and develop strategic program concepts.
• Manage relationships with research providers, stakeholders and red meat processors.
• Ensure programs are funded, delivered on time, and aligned to strategy and budget.

Skills

Years of meat industry experience

Commercial business cases

Problem-led R&D programs

Program management principles

CAD interpretation

Mechatronics/automation engineering

Job description

Program Manager - Advanced Manufacturing

Australian Meat Processor Corporation – North Sydney NSW

The Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) is the rural research and development corporation (RDC) for the red meat processing industry in Australia. As the research, development and marketing service provider for Australian red meat processors, AMPC runs programs of activity that are funded by processor levy payers, private contributions and the Australian Government.

Our purpose is to enable Australia to build the most competitive, profitable and sustainable red meat processing industry.

Our mission is to drive world‑class innovation, adoption and strategic policy development through genuine partnerships built on trust.

Our vision is to be the red meat processing industry’s trusted partner in innovation.

About the Role

Red meat processing is a high-tech, highly automated industry, and its future relies on the development and implementation of advanced manufacturing solutions.

The primary purpose of the Program Manager, Advanced Manufacturing is to manage the development, implementation, and oversight of AMPC's Advanced Manufacturing programs. The Advanced Manufacturing Program is the largest program within AMPC and encompasses robotics, automation, physical AI, machine learning, computer vision and a range of other advanced manufacturing solutions.

This role includes working closely with processors and industry leaders to understand the key problems within red meat processing, leading program initiatives, developing strategic program concepts, and managing relationships with research providers, stakeholders and red meat processors.

The Program Manager ensures the successful development of programs, secures investment to fund programs and delivers programs from inception to completion, maintaining oversight of budget, progress and strategic alignment.

About You

You are an experienced program, project, innovation, engineering, or manufacturing professional looking for your next challenge. You've built a solid foundation in managing complex initiatives and stakeholder relationships and are eager to continue learning, growing and making a significant impact.

You are passionate about innovation and emerging technologies, with an interest in areas such as automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, or advanced manufacturing. You enjoy bringing together industry, research, and technology partners to solve real-world challenges and deliver meaningful outcomes.

You'll be equally comfortable discussing strategic opportunities with industry leaders while remaining hands‑on in the development, delivery, and oversight of programs. Most importantly, you're curious, collaborative, and motivated by the opportunity to help shape the future of Australia's red meat processing industry.

The role requires skills and experience in the following areas:

• 7+ years' experience in the meat industry, food manufacturing, or a similar advanced manufacturing environment, demonstrating a commitment to improving industry outcomes and supporting the ongoing success of the red meat processing sector
• Ability to develop and understand commercial business cases that justify and underpin Research and Development investments
• Experience in problem-led research and development programs
• Experience in program management principles
• Ability to review and interpret mechanical CAD designs and layouts
• Mechatronics, mechanical or electrical engineering background in automation is desirable

Why Join AMPC?

At AMPC, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the success and future growth of Australia's red meat processing industry.

We offer:

• Modern office conveniently located in North Sydney
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements, including work‑from‑home options
• Additional leave benefits in recognition of the significant contribution employees make to the success of AMPC
• Supportive and collaborative team culture that values trust, communication, accountability, innovation and continuous improvement
• Exposure to a diverse range of projects, initiatives and industry priorities
• Meaningful work that contributes to the long‑term success and sustainability of Australia's red meat processing industry
• Opportunity to collaborate with industry leaders, world leading technology providers, researchers, government representatives, and other key stakeholders