Lead a high-performing dairy processing operation in a growing national food business
About Bidfood & Simply Food Solutions
For over 20 years, Bidfood has been supplying quality ingredients to the Australian foodservice and catering industry. With more than 50 locations nationwide and a team of 2,300+ employees, Bidfood is recognised as one of Australia's leading foodservice distributors.
Simply Food Solutions is Bidfood's manufacturing division, providing vertical integration across the supply chain. Due to continued growth, we are seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead our cheese processing operations in Yatala.
This is a key leadership role with the opportunity to shape, optimise, and scale a growing production function within a national business.
Reporting to the Operations Manager, you will be responsible for delivering production targets while ensuring the highest standards in food safety, product quality, and operational efficiency.
You will lead from the front—driving performance, building team capability, and fostering a strong culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Key measures of success include:
Delivery of production volume targets and labour efficiency
Reduction in waste and improvement in product yield
Maintenance of audit-ready food safety and quality standards
Staff retention and upskilling
Key Responsibilities
Production & Planning
Deliver daily and weekly production plans aligned to demand forecasts
Coordinate with procurement to ensure raw material availability
Monitor and improve labour utilisation, yield, and throughput
Track and report on downtime, waste, and production performance metrics
Build and lead a high-performing production team
Develop team capability through coaching, training, and performance management
Drive accountability and clear communication across shifts
Quality & Food Safety
Lead site food safety compliance, ensuring HACCP and GMP standards are consistently exceeded
Support internal and external audits and drive corrective actions
Promote a right-first-time quality culture across the operation
Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce waste
Investigate deviations and implement sustainable corrective actions
Drive a culture of operational discipline and continuous improvement
Maintenance & Asset Care
Support preventative maintenance programs to maximise equipment uptime
Troubleshoot equipment issues and support operators in safe equipment handling
Ensure proper cleaning, hygiene, and equipment care standards are maintained
Health & Safety
Champion a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all company policies
Ensure safe systems of work are followed at all times
What We're Looking For
Proven experience in food manufacturing (dairy or ready-to-eat highly regarded)
Strong leadership experience in a fast-paced production environment
Demonstrated ability to improve yield, reduce waste, and optimise labour
Strong understanding of HACCP, GMP, and audit requirements
A hands-on, proactive leadership style with a focus on accountability
Strong problem-solving and analytical capability
Skills & Attributes
Effective communicator with the ability to influence and engage teams
Highly organised with strong planning capability
Able to analyse data and translate insights into action
Comfortable working in a hands-on production environment
Physically capable of working within a processing facility environment
Why Join Bidfood?
Leadership role with real impact and autonomy
Opportunity to shape a growing manufacturing operation
Stable, national business with strong market position
Staff discounts on 4,000+ products
Access to training and development programs
Corporate health plans and employee benefits
Employee Assistance Program supporting you and your family
Apply Now
If you're a results-driven production leader ready to make an impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Please apply with your confidential detailed resume.
Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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Wholesale Businesses 1,001-5,000 employees
Bidfood is Australia's leading national foodservice wholesaler and distributor, supplying cafés, restaurants, pubs, hotels, clubs, caterers, schools, hospitals and aged-care kitchens with the products they need to thrive.
With more than 50 sites across every state and territory, we combine local knowledge with national reach to deliver tailored solutions that keep our customers moving.
At Bidfood, you'll find real autonomy, a balanced lifestyle and a team culture built on initiative, loyalty and trust. Whether you're after secure, flexible hours or ready to forge a long-term career, we'll back your growth with training, support and clear pathways forward.
Bidfood is Australia's leading national foodservice wholesaler and distributor, supplying cafés, restaurants, pubs, hotels, clubs, caterers, schools, hospitals and aged-care kitchens with the products they need to thrive.
With more than 50 sites across every state and territory, we combine local knowledge with national reach to deliver tailored solutions that keep our customers moving.
At Bidfood, you'll find real autonomy, a balanced lifestyle and a team culture built on initiative, loyalty and trust. Whether you're after secure, flexible hours or ready to forge a long-term career, we'll back your growth with training, support and clear pathways forward.
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