Shift Manager - Ballarat Potato

Position Title:Shift Manager - Ballarat Potato

Position Type: Regular - Full-Time ​

Requisition ID: 44312 

In every role, McCainers are ambitious, curious, and interested in helping each other create good work experiences. We think about the customer and make doing business with McCain easy. 

About the role.

Ready to make an impact where it matters most? At our Ballarat Potato Plant, the Shift Manager is at the heart of the operation, leading teams that turn great plans into great results. You’ll inspire and develop people, champion a strong safety culture, and drive performance across every aspect of the shift. If you thrive in a hands-on leadership role where no two days are the same and continuous improvement is part of the culture, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

What you’ll be doing

• Champion a strong health and safety culture across the Production Department, including incident investigation, corrective actions and participation in the health and safety committee. 

• Lead processing and packing shifts, coordinating people and resources to deliver the site plan safely and effectively. 

• Implement and sustain continuous improvement activities, best practices and standard operating procedures as a key member of the site leadership and quality teams. 

• Develop team capability through hands-on coaching, skills-based deployment, personal development planning and training programmes. 

• Translate annual operating commitments into clear shift priorities, identify cost improvement opportunities and support performance in areas including TSU and recovery. 

• Lead MDI routines and sustain improvements generated through problem solving programs, with ownership of continuous improvement boards and OEE performance. 

• Maintain accountability for food safety, product quality and specification compliance, including effective management of HOLD product and rework. 

• Lead through positive role modelling, employee engagement and proactive performance management, including KPIs, competency goals, leave and labour coverage. 

• Ensure day-to-day plant operations comply with local, legislative and corporate requirements. 

• Reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing by improving waste practices, building operator awareness and ensuring compliance with the McCain Environmental Policy. 

What you’ll need to be successful

• Relevant industry and leadership qualifications, supported by demonstrated people leadership experience. 

• Experience in food processing or manufacturing environments. 

• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes, occupational health and safety, GMP, HACCP, environmental requirements and quality systems. 

• Strong communication and stakeholder skills, with the ability to work effectively across departments and at all levels. 

• Logical thinking, sound judgement and strong problem-solving capability. 

• A results-focused approach and the ability to manage multiple, varied priorities. 

• Confidence using Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access. 

• A collaborative, hands-on leadership style and the ability to contribute effectively as a team player

About the team.

This role is part of the Manufacturing team at the Ballarat Potato Plant and reports to the Production Manager. The Shift Manager works closely with the Plant Manager, fellow Shift Managers and Shift Supervisors, and partners across Safety, Quality and other site functions to lead production performance and support a capable, engaged shift team. 

About McCain.

Click Here to learn more about McCain and how we provide opportunities to make an impact that matters.

Leadership principles.

At McCain, our leadership principles guide how we engage with customers, collaborate as a team, and achieve success. We focus on understanding customer needs, driving innovation, empowering people, and taking ownership to clear obstacles and deliver results.

AI & Digital Capabilities.

At McCain, AI and digital capabilities are part of how we work and innovate. We value curiosity toward emerging technologies and the thoughtful, responsible use of AI-enabled tools to improve outcomes as part of our future-ready culture.

The McCain experience.

We are McCain. This statement is a testament to our collective strength and our individual value. Your contributions play a vital role in our success. Our winning culture is rooted in authenticity and trust, empowering us to bring out the best in one another. Here, you'll find opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Join us and experience why we're better together.

Our purpose is grounded in building meaningful relationships. We're big believers in the power of working together in person. It helps us stay connected, collaborate more effectively, and grow as a team. At the same time, we recognize the importance of flexibility. Most office-based roles follow a hybrid model, with the option to work remotely two days a week. There may be exceptions depending on the role and location, so we encourage you to speak with your recruiter for more details.

Ready to make an impact?

Apply today and bring your expertise, curiosity, and ideas to a company where your contribution truly matters.

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McCain Foods is an equal opportunity employer. As a global family-owned company, we strive to be the employer of choice in the diverse communities around the world in which we live and work. We recognize that inclusion drives our creativity, resilience, and success and makes our business stronger. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Your privacy is important to us. By submitting personal data or information to us, you agree this will be handled in accordance with McCain’s

Job Family: Manufacturing

Location(s): AU - Australia : Victoria : Ballarat  

Company: McCain Foods (Aust) Pty.