GM of Operations

Who we are

We're an Australian, family-owned FMCG business with a portfolio of much-loved food brands on shelf in every major grocery retailer. We move fast, back bold ideas, and care deeply about our people and our product and we've built a team that gets on and makes decisions.

We're looking for a General Manager, Operations to lead the end-to-end supply chain across our Clayton South head office and Carrum Downs manufacturing facility: the strategic leader in the room who turns a good supply chain into an industry-leading one.

The role

You'll take strategic leadership of an industry-leading supply chain with a specific focus on process, systems, leadership and the development of our people, culture, efficiency and cost. You'll lead a team of 6 direct reports across Procurement, Planning, Logistics, Manufacturing and NPD, and sit close to the Co-CEO and the wider leadership team with a genuine seat at the table.

This role would suit an experienced Operations or Supply Chain leader who wants broad, end-to-end ownership rather than a narrow functional lane and who's as comfortable setting strategy as they are on the floor driving performance.

What you'll do

Lead the Operations function to deliver commercial results

•    Develop the Operations strategy and contribute to strategic planning for the business

•    Evaluate and improve the performance and productivity of Logistics, Purchasing, Warehouse, Manufacturing and NPD

•    Manage the supply review, budget and resourcing of the Operations team

•    Establish and monitor KPIs for food quality, safety, efficiency and profitability

•    Identify and pursue new opportunities for business expansion and innovation

Deliver service to our customers

•    Ensure a fit-for-purpose 3PL and transport network to deliver for customers

•    Manage inventory policy to align with business cash flow and service targets

•    Predict and plan for supply chain issues and manage risk through a clear risk management plan

Own procurement, planning, NPD and manufacturing

•    Manage stock to reduce out-of-stocks, costs and losses from discontinued lines

•    Lead procurement planning and purchasing of stock to forecast and budget

•    Negotiate and maintain contracts and relationships with suppliers, vendors and customers

•    Deliver on NPD projects and build team capability

•    Develop and manage the Manufacturing business

Build a safe, happy and engaged team

•    Oversee warehouse management, building maintenance and OH&S

•    Coach and manage the Logistics, Planning, Manufacturing, NPD and Procurement teams

•    Ensure compliance with food industry regulations, standards and best practice

•    Lead company-wide priority projects from the Operations seat

What you'll bring

•    Tertiary qualifications in Supply Chain, Commerce or Engineering

•    10-15 years' experience in Supply Chain or Operations, ideally in FMCG or food manufacturing

•    Demonstrable experience leading and inspiring teams across Planning, Manufacturing, S&OP, Logistics and Quality

•    A hands-on leadership style paired with a keen eye for continuous improvement and project delivery

•    Strong cost centre / P&L management experience

•    Capacity to thrive on change and complexity, and to work comfortably with ambiguity

•    Strong IT skills, including Excel reporting and data analysis, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook

Why join us

•    A genuinely broad operations seat - Procurement, Planning, Logistics, Manufacturing and NPD all report to you, not siloed functional management

•    Close working relationship with the Co-CEO and the wider leadership team, with a real seat at the table

•    A collaborative, non-hierarchical culture that backs its people to make decisions and get on with it

•    The chance to shape an industry-leading supply chain on brands people know and buy

Plus the perks:

•    Flexible / hybrid working

•    Extra paid day off on your birthday

•    On-site free parking

•    Regular team lunches and social events

•    Employee Assistance Program

•    Plenty of food-related fun at work