Production Manager

MOSSA Group is currently looking for a full time and experineced, Production Manager for one of our valued clients in Melbourne's SE. Only Food Industry or similar experienced candidates should apply for this role. Department: Production Reports To: Managing Director Location: Melboure SE Suburbs Purpose The Production Manager leads all manufacturing operations at one of our valued clients. They ensure products are made safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards of quality, while driving production planning, compliance, team capability, and continuous improvement. The role builds a safe, high-performing, and collaborative workplace where our people and products thrive. Strategic Contribution Align production performance with the company’s 3-year objectives, including schedule reliability, SKU profitability, asset utilisation, site consolidation readiness, and appropriate automation investments. Partner with Sales, Finance, and Warehousing to ensure the production plan supports service, margin, and cash goals. Key Responsibilities Leadership & Culture Build engagement through recognition, open communication, and coaching. Mentor and develop team members, creating future leaders and fostering accountability. Lead daily ‘Morning Huddles’ and promote teamwork and ownership. Proactively manage team morale, communication, and wellbeing. Production Planning & Operations Maintain a tidy, organised bakery supporting clear workflow and 5S principles. Review and finalise weekly production plans with Team Leaders and Operations Manager. Specify planning cadence: Ensure structured review of draft plans, locked plans, and material readiness before production week begins. Align scheduling with Sales, Operations, and Warehousing requirements, including NPD trials. Manage labour, material usage, and yield in line with BOM standards, highlighting variances daily. Present annual CAPEX requirements and provide quarterly updates to support business planning. Establish, maintain, and evolve production systems that support operational and strategic goals. Quality & Food Safety Oversee product quality with targets for NCRs; ensure standards are clearly understood and met. Verify product weights, bake times, and recipes; ensure label and allergen accuracy. Achieve ≥95% on monthly audits and maintain Quality Policy, Objectives, and Procedures. Align product costings and labour timings with Finance documentation. Ensure SQF/food safety training is completed for all new staff within 7 days and retraining occurs after non-compliance. Safety & GMP Ensure safety protocols, PPE use, and uniform standards are followed across shifts. Conduct regular safety inspections with the Compliance Manager and close actions promptly. Investigate and document OH&S incidents; complete corrective actions and communicate learnings. Oversee daily GMP checks to verify hygiene, equipment readiness, and foreign matter controls. Lead daily KPI reviews (OEE, waste, downtime, labour efficiency, schedule adherence, material variances). Ensure accurate recording of allocated materials, BOM, finished goods, and returned materials. Track WIP movement through each section to identify and minimise scrap. Conduct root cause analyses using 5 Whys or Fishbone methodologies and implement corrective actions. Identify and lead Lean/process optimisation initiatives and report outcomes (waste, rework, yield, labour). Drive systems that promote operational efficiency and data accuracy. People Development Ensure all employees are trained in Allergens, Food Safety, and company values. Maintain and update training records and competency matrices. Develop Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for potential leaders and succession plans for key roles. Introduce new processes seamlessly into the bakery through structured change management. Roster & Attendance Management: Monitor attendance, breaks, and shift coverage; adjust staffing based on production needs and absenteeism. Equipment, Maintenance & Inventory Work closely with the Operations Manager to ensure maintenance is current and repairs completed promptly. Identify tooling or machinery needs and submit CAPEX proposals with clear business cases. Ensure all machinery is fit for purpose and maintenance schedules are adhered to. Coordinate and forecast materials and ensure adequate stock for production without overstocking. Documentation & Administration Ensure SOPs are current, accessible, and adhered to; participate in periodic SOP reviews. Maintain accurate production and quality documentation for audit readiness. Paperwork: Sign off on critical control points and deviations; ensure machine settings are current; reconcile material consumption against warehouse supply. Risk & Business Continuity Develop contingency plans for equipment failure, supply chain disruptions, and labour shortages. Perform quarterly risk reviews covering suppliers, equipment, and critical processes. Lead incident response and recovery efforts to minimise impact on customers and operations. Escalation Protocols: Report delays or major variances promptly to Planner, Operations, and Sales via agreed channels. Leverage ERP and production systems (e.g., scheduling, traceability, dashboards) to improve performance and decision-making. Ensure accurate master data (BOMs, routings, labour standards) and close integration with planning and finance. Champion digital reporting for real-time visibility of OEE, waste, downtime, and variances. Education, Qualifications & Licences 5+ years’ experience in a similar production leadership or management role (bakery/FMCG preferred). Skills & Attributes Strong communication and interpersonal skills across diverse teams. Excellent organisational and planning skills; calm under pressure. Professional, punctual, and accountable; decisive and hands‑on when required. Strong problem‑solving and analytical capability with a data‑driven mindset. Ability to lead by example, motivate others, and embed continuous improvement. Openness to feedback and commitment to continuous learning. #J-18808-Ljbffr