Operations Manager

Step into a high-impact operational leadership role within one of Australia’s largest and most recognisable FMCG manufacturers. 

Based at our Wacol facility, this is a great opportunity to lead end‑to‑end manufacturing operations in a fast‑paced, high‑volume, high‑SKU environment — while building your capability for future senior operational leadership within the organisation.

We’re seeking a strong, floor‑led leader who thrives on visibility, accountability and disciplined execution. If you’re a plant operator at heart, who drives performance through people, process and presence, this role offers the scale and challenge to elevate your career.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations within the Wacol site, ensuring smooth, compliant and efficient production from raw materials through to finished goods.
• Translate strategic objectives into actionable operational plans that deliver safety, quality, productivity, cost, and service outcomes.
• Drive high performance through disciplined daily rhythms, clear accountability, and strong labour utilisation.
• Embed a safety-first culture by enforcing safety protocols, proactively managing hazards, and ensuring adherence to WHS and food safety standards.
• Champion lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and waste reduction initiatives across the plant.
• Build strong cross-functional partnerships in supply chain, engineering, finance, quality and people & culture to enhance operational performance.
• Lead and coach a multi-shift workforce
• Develop capability within the next leadership layer, driving succession, performance uplift and consistent standards.
• Manage costs and operational budgets, ensuring efficiency without compromising service or quality.
• Support digital transformation, automation and capital projects that strengthen plant reliability and agility.
• Promote a culture of inclusion, engagement, wellbeing and high performance across all teams.
• Influence outcomes across a complex operational workforce, driving results through presence and credibility—not hierarchy.

What You’ll Bring

• 8–10+ years' experience in FMCG or high‑volume manufacturing operations, with at least 5 years in senior, multi-shift leadership.
• Extensive experience in manufacturing plant operations
• Strong grounding in lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, cost optimisation and disciplined operational execution.
• Leadership style built on presence, visibility and accountability—you lead from the floor.
• Ability to influence across large, complex teams and deliver outcomes through relationships and credibility.
• Proven experience developing leaders, lifting performance and building capability at scale.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data, manage KPIs and drive decisions through numbers.
• Solid understanding of food safety, WHS, compliance and quality systems.
• ERP proficiency (and ideally exposure to automation, digital tools and modern manufacturing systems).
• A resilient, hands-on, commercially savvy approach

Why Join Primo?

• Clear progression pathway into a more senior operational leadership role
• High‑volume, complex manufacturing environment with significant impact
• Strong visibility with senior leadership and influence on site strategy
• People‑first culture with a focus on engagement, wellbeing and performance
• Major transformation projects including automation and digitisation
• Relocation support available for interstate candidates

Ready to Lead the Future?

If you’re a strong operational leader who’s ready to step into a high-profile role with genuine succession potential, we’d love to hear from you.