Production and Packing Manager (Food Production)

About Yummy KarmaYummy Karma is a fast-growing Australian manufacturer of premium chilled and frozen ready meals, snacks, and airline meal solutions. Operating from a modern SQF-certified facility in Western Sydney, we supply major retailers, airlines, and foodservice operators across Australia and abroad. Learn more at www.yummykarma.com. Role SummaryWe are seeking a hands-on, mechanically sound Production & Packing Manager to lead daily operations across both departments. This role is responsible for planning, quality, team leadership, mechanical troubleshooting, and labour cost control. You’ll play a key role in building a strong and reliable production workforce and maintaining high-performance standards across the factory. Key Responsibilities Production Operations

• Create and execute detailed daily/weekly production plans to meet forecast and delivery commitments.
• Manage staff rosters and shift coverage, optimising labour to reduce overtime and idle time.
• Ensure 100% compliance with QA and traceability records for every batch.
• Monitor and reduce wastage and variances, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Drive on-time completion of all production runs; manage priorities and escalate roadblocks.
• Supervise production processes to ensure alignment with recipes, SOPs and critical control points.

Packing Operations

• Lead packing teams to meet or exceed daily line output targets with minimal rework.
• Drive labour productivity and keep packing labour cost per unit within or below budget.
• Ensure GMP and hygiene standards are upheld across all shifts.
• Perform basic mechanical troubleshooting on machines (e.g., tray sealers, conveyors, labelers).
• Coordinate minor preventive maintenance and escalate issues requiring technician support.

People & Recruitment

• Lead and inspire a high-performing team across both production and packing areas.
• Support and manage recruitment of factory staff (permanent and casual), including:
• Workforce planning in coordination with HR.
• Screening, interviewing, and selecting suitable candidates.
• Overseeing onboarding and hands-on training of new hires.
• Monitor staff performance, attendance, and conduct, addressing issues proactively.
• Foster a strong workplace culture based on respect, accountability, and safety.
• Ensure all team members are trained and assessed on SOPs and compliance requirements.

Technical and Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement improvements in process flow, labour efficiency, and changeovers.
• Work closely with maintenance and QA to troubleshoot and resolve equipment or quality issues.
• Track key performance metrics (output, downtime, waste, labour/hr) and report weekly.
• Support lean manufacturing and cost-saving initiatives across departments.

What You Bring

• 3–5+ years in a production or packing leadership role within food manufacturing
• Experience as as a qualified Chef is a plus, but not essential
• A strong, motivational leadership style – with the ability to recruit, train, and lead diverse teams.
• Solid understanding of mechanical systems, with a hands-on approach to minor fault-finding.
• Knowledge of GMP, HACCP, SQF, and food safety auditing standards.
• Experience managing rosters, shift plans, and KPI dashboards.
• Strong problem-solving, communication and team development skills

What We Offer

• A leadership role with scope to shape the production culture and team.
• Strong internal support and room for growth in growing business.
• A competitive salary is on offer plus a 10% performance bonus based on the achievement of KPIs

Please include a Cover Letter and CV with your application.Thank youJob Types: Full-time, PermanentPay: $90,000.00 – $120,000.00 per yearBenefits:

• Free food
• Visa sponsorship

Work Location: In person