Production/kitchen Manager

Plan, schedule and manage daily production runs.

Ensure all meals are prepared, cooked, portioned, and packed to specification.

Monitor throughput, wastage, yields, and production efficiency.

Maintain strict adherence to recipes, batch sheets, and production standards.

Lead, train and motivate kitchen and production staff.

Allocate tasks, manage rosters, and ensure adequate staffing.

Promote a positive, safe, and accountable team culture.

⭐ KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Daily Production Management

• Plan, schedule and manage daily production runs
• Ensure all meals are prepared, cooked, portioned, and packed to specification
• Monitor throughput, wastage, yields, and production efficiency
• Maintain strict adherence to recipes, batch sheets, and production standards

Team Leadership

• Lead, train and motivate kitchen and production staff
• Allocate tasks, manage rosters, and ensure adequate staffing
• Promote a positive, safe, and accountable team culture

Quality & Food Safety Control

• Ensure compliance with HACCP, FSANZ standards, and internal QA processes
• Conduct regular quality checks throughout production
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation, and hygiene
• Work closely with QA/Compliance to ensure audits are met and passed

Inventory & Procurement Support

• Oversee raw material usage, stock rotation, and ingredient accuracy
• Communicate shortages, substitutions, and ordering needs
• Work with procurement to reduce costs and improve supplier performance

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce waste, and streamline operations
• Implement SOPs for workflows, equipment, safety, and training
• Assist with scaling new products, menus, and production lines

Reporting

• Provide daily production reports (output, issues, wastage, labour efficiency)
• Track KPIs and ensure targets are met
• Manage corrective actions for any production variances

⭐ REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 3+ years in a Production Manager, Kitchen Manager, Head Chef or similar supervisory role
• Experience in ready meals, food manufacturing, large‑scale catering, or commercial kitchen environments
• Strong understanding of HACCP, food safety, and compliance requirements
• Ability to manage teams in a fast‑paced, high‑volume production setting
• Excellent communication and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Strong organisational and planning skills
• Hands‑on leadership style

⭐ DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE (Not essential but preferred)

• Experience in batch cooking and large‑scale meal production
• Background in FMCG, chilled or frozen meal manufacturing
• Experience working with multiple SKUs and changing weekly menus
• Knowledge of Lean production and process improvement tools
• Forklift licence (optional)

⭐ WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive salary package, based on experience
• Opportunity to grow within a rapidly expanding multi‑brand food group
• Supportive leadership team and collaborative environment
• Modern kitchen and production facility
• Career development and training opportunities

⭐ HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your updated CV along with a short cover letter explaining your experience in commercial kitchens or food manufacturing and why you believe you are the right fit for this role.

Apply now — we are hiring immediately.

Be careful — Don’t provide your bank or credit card details when applying for jobs. Don't transfer any money or complete suspicious online surveys. If you see something suspicious, report this job ad.

#J-18808-Ljbffr