Technical Operator - Food Manufacturing

The Kitchenary; Sydney; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kitchenary, part of the Woolworths Group, seeks a hands-on Technical Champion to keep our production lines running safely and efficiently in Sydney. You’ll bridge Operators and Maintenance, troubleshoot equipment, and drive downtime reduction.

You will monitor performance, perform basic maintenance, follow SOPs, and mentor Operators. The role emphasizes GMP, CCP, and food safety in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Hands-on machine operation experience.
• Technical curiosity and problem-solving mindset.
• Experience in food manufacturing, FMCG or similar production environment.
• Strong knowledge of production lines and machinery.
• Ability to read and follow SOPs, equipment manuals and technical instructions.
• Basic computer skills including Excel and production systems.

Responsibilities

• Be the first point of contact for breakdowns, troubleshooting and escalation.
• Support operators with technical and machine-related issues.
• Start, shut down and operate machinery as required.
• Monitor machine performance and help improve line efficiency and OEE.
• Complete planned maintenance, equipment checks and basic servicing.
• Raise and follow up maintenance requests through relevant systems.
• Follow and update SOPs, work instructions and equipment manuals.
• Train, mentor and support Machine Operators.
• Complete safety checks and ensure equipment is operated safely.
• Maintain GMP, food safety, LOTO and CCP standards.
• Work closely with Maintenance, Operations, QA, R&D and other teams.
• Stop unsafe activities or processes that may impact people, food safety or product quality.

Tools

Excel

iLeader

Job description

Join The Kitchenary – Part of the Woolworths Group

The Kitchenary is a leading Australian fresh food business, combining world-class expertise and state-of-the-art equipment to deliver innovative, value-added meal solutions.

A Technical Champion is a hands-on position that plays a key role in keeping our production lines running safely, efficiently and effectively. Acting as the important link between our Machine Operators and Maintenance team, you’ll be the first point of contact for equipment issues, troubleshoot problems, reduce downtime and keep production moving.

What You’ll Be Doing

Be the first point of contact for breakdowns, troubleshooting issues and escalating when required.

Support operators with technical and machine-related issues.

Start, shut down and operate machinery as required.

Monitor machine performance and help improve line efficiency and OEE.

Complete planned maintenance, equipment checks and basic servicing.

Raise and follow up maintenance requests through relevant systems.

Follow and update SOPs, work instructions and equipment manuals.

Train, mentor and support Machine Operators.

Complete safety checks and ensure equipment is operated safely.

Maintain GMP, food safety, LOTO and CCP standards.

Work closely with Maintenance, Operations, QA, R&D and other teams.

Stop unsafe activities or processes that may impact people, food safety or product quality.

Why Join Us?

Permanent, stable employment with career progression opportunities

Be part of the Woolworths Group network - Team Benefits Card - discounts on groceries, fuel, retail and much much more!!!

Work with modern equipment and automated production lines

Supportive team with training and upskilling opportunities

Onsite store with discounted meals + weekly fruit baskets

Wellbeing support (EAP, onsite physio and massage)

What You Bring

We’re looking for someone who combines hands-on machine operating experience with strong technical curiosity and problem-solving skills.

Experience in food manufacturing, FMCG or a similar production environment, with proven machine operating experience.

Strong hands-on knowledge of production lines and machinery, with a practical, problem-solving mindset.

Ability to identify and troubleshoot basic machine faults and know when to elevate to Maintenance.

Understanding of production processes, GMP, food safety, workplace safety and PPE requirements.

Ability to read and follow SOPs, equipment manuals and technical instructions.

Basic computer skills, including iLeader, Excel and production systems, with strong attention to detail and accurate record keeping.

Strong communication, teamwork and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to coach and support others.

Good time management, prioritisation and decision-making skills, with initiative and a focus on continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment.