Operations Manager - Vertical Farming

Costa is a global leading grower, packer, and marketer of premium quality fresh fruit and vegetables. Our success is built on a commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability across every part of our business.
Within Costa, our Mushroom category is a successful business unit, producing fresh vegetables year-round through advanced, technology-driven farming operations. Our Monarto site is the largest and most advanced mushroom farm in the country. Spread across 360 acres, our purpose-built facility produces premium mushrooms that are enjoyed nationwide. Our team is proud to deliver fresh, affordable, and nutritious produce – all while leading the way in sustainable farming.
Why join Costa?Learning & Development: Ongoing opportunities for growth and career progression.Team Culture: Be part of a diverse, supportive, and innovative team.Recognition: Regular site activities, rewards, and recognition for outstanding performance.Impact: Play a key role in delivering safe, high-quality produce to customers across Australia.
What we are looking for:
We’re looking for an experienced Operations Manager to lead Costa’s Monarto mushroom production site, overseeing production, harvesting and packing operations. Reporting to the Site Lead, you’ll play a critical leadership role in ensuring the safe, efficient and profitable operation of the site while consistently delivering against production, quality, food safety and customer requirements.
This is a highly visible leadership opportunity where you’ll lead multiple operational teams, drive continuous improvement initiatives and build a strong culture of accountability, safety and performance. Working closely with leaders across the business, you'll be responsible for maximising productivity, improving operational outcomes and developing high-performing teams that support the site's long-term success.
The role will suit a commercially minded people leader who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing, food production or fresh produce environment. You'll bring a passion for operational excellence, the ability to influence and develop others, and a strong focus on delivering sustainable business results.
What you’ll do:Lead production, harvesting and packing operations to deliver safe, efficient and profitable outcomes.Drive operational performance through continuous improvement, cost reduction and productivity initiatives.Develop, coach and lead managers, supervisors and team leaders to build a high-performing workforce.Ensure compliance with WHS, food safety, quality and customer standards while achieving production targets
What you’ll bring:Degree qualification in Business, Operations, Manufacturing, Agriculture or a related field.Proven experience leading large operational teams within manufacturing, food production, fresh produce or a similar environment.Strong leadership, stakeholder management, problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.Demonstrated experience driving operational excellence, continuous improvement and commercial performance.
Ready to apply?
Applications are reviewed as they are received – don’t wait, apply today and grow your career with Costa! Applicants must hold full Australian working rights to be considered for this role. We do not require the assistance of recruitment agencies and any unsolicited candidate profiles received will not be considered as introducing candidates to Costa.