In Australia, the J.R. Simplot Company's core operations are food manufacturing and agriculture, encompassing potato, vegetable, seafood and sauce operations. We supply a wide range of frozen, shelf-stable and chilled products to major retail and foodservice customers in Australia and New Zealand. The Simplot Global Food business includes 17 food manufacturing and processing sites, serving retail and foodservice customers in 37 countries, with 8,000 people across North America, Latin America and Asia Pacific. Globally, the J.R. Simplot Company employs 15,000 people, driving innovation and excellence across diverse industries.
Within the Australian market, we are a leading provider of quality, nourishing and sustainable food, focussed on creating meals that maximises value from the best Australian-grown produce and global seafood. Our iconic brands have been an integral part of Aussie life for generations, and include Leggo's, Birds Eye, Edgell, John West and Chiko.
Culture And Benefits
At Simplot, we are fuelled by our purpose: We Contribute to Feeding Our World. We imagine a better future and set goals to reach it. We are committed to working as one Simplot and are guided by our shared values:
Respect for Resources
Spirit of Innovation
Passion for People
We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion. We care about creating an environment that promotes safety and wellbeing and where our people feel supported, respected and empowered. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination and are committed to providing equal opportunities for all our team members.
Simplot is passionate about cultivating a future where good ideas and inspiring possibilities have the chance to grow. We want our team members to build exciting and fulfilling careers with us and offer professional and personal growth opportunities.
The Perks
A variety of engaging Health and Wellbeing programs including an on-site soft tissue centre
Diverse Leadership Development Programs and Professional Development Support
Employee Reward and Recognition Program
Bonus incentives and discounted Health Insurance
Novated Car Leasing Agreements
Income Protection Insurance
Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave
About Our Role
We are looking for an Area Manager – Maintenance to join our team at Bathurst. This is a permanent, full-time role reporting to the Maintenance Manager and leading a team of 28 skilled tradespeople, including fitters, electricians, and team leaders. You'll play a key role in ensuring the efficient operation of our plant and equipment, driving reliability, safety, and continuous improvement across our manufacturing site. This is an opportunity to make a real impact in a dynamic FMCG environment with a long-standing team and strong culture.
What You Will Do
Lead and manage mechanical and electrical trades to deliver maintenance plans and meet site KPIs.
Drive performance improvements using lean manufacturing principles.
Oversee preventative maintenance strategies to improve reliability and reduce downtime.
Manage repairs and maintenance budgets and identify cost-effective solutions.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to align maintenance schedules with production plans.
Support and implement capital investment and continuous improvement projects.
Provide coaching, training, and development opportunities to build a high-performing team.
Ensure compliance with safety, food safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
Foster a positive team culture and maintain strong industrial relations.
About You
Mechanical and/or Electrical Trade qualification is essential, tertiary engineering qualifications desirable.
Minimum 5+ years' experience in a maintenance leadership role within manufacturing (FMCG food industry preferred).
Strong people leadership skills with the ability to coach, mentor, and build relationships.
Experience with lean manufacturing methodology and continuous improvement initiatives.
Knowledge of computerised maintenance management systems and MS Office.
Resilient, adaptable, and able to influence and engage a long-serving workforce.
Excellent problem-solving and communication skills and a commitment to safety and quality.
If this sounds like you, then please apply online now. We appreciate previous interest in this role; however, this round is open to new applicants only.
Applications close Friday 13th March 2026.
Job Requisition ID: 24353
Travel Required: Less than 10%
Location(s): GF Bathurst Plant - Llanarth
Country: Australia
Simplot is an equal opportunity employer and encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply. If you feel you would be a great addition to our team please apply online today, we would love to hear from you. If you require technical assistance, please email us at
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Management and Manufacturing
Industries
Food and Beverage Services