Lead safe, reliable refinery operations and optimise the performance of one of Australia’s most iconic sugar manufacturing sites.
Sugar Australia has an exciting opportunity for a Refinery Production Manager to lead operational performance, capability and compliance at our Yarraville VIC refinery. This full‑time permanent role reports to the Yarraville Operations Manager.
In this role, you will lead refinery operations, ensuring safe, compliant and efficient production of high‑quality sugar products that meet customer, regulatory and market requirements. You’ll work closely with production, technical and maintenance teams to strengthen refinery health, optimise key performance metrics and improve the reliability of our plant operations. You’ll also lead and develop the refinery production team while driving SOP standardisation and embedding continuous improvement to support long‑term operational excellence.
What you’ll be doing:
- Lead safe, compliant and hygienic refinery operations in line with our EHS and Quality Management Systems and external regulatory requirements
- Oversee and optimise refinery performance and health, ensuring output, yield, energy efficiency, melt rate and OEE targets are achieved
- Provide solid daily leadership across Production to resolve issues and improve plant reliability
- Drive operational excellence through visual workplace systems, KPI tracking, 5S, RCA and continuous improvement initiatives
- Standardise, document and embed SOPs to build capability across the production team
- Plan and schedule refinery production to ensure output meets customer, inventory and market requirements
- Ensure timely investigation and closure of NCRs, customer complaints, audit findings and GMP actions
- Lead, coach and develop the production team to build capability, accountability and a constructive high‑performing team culture
- Contribute to operational planning, including budgeting, cost performance, monthly reporting and capital project inputs
What you’ll bring:
- Tertiary qualification in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Science or considerable experience in production/process control
- 10+ years experience in manufacturing and people leadership roles
- Experience in food and/or FMCG production (highly regarded)
- Knowledge of refinery processes (highly regarded)
- Strong communication, relationship building and influencing skills across all levels
- Balanced decision‑making approach that considers both business and people needs
- Results focused and demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence
- Knowledge of EHS, GMP, HACCP and quality systems
- Alignment with our values: Excellence, Innovation, Integrity, Passion, Safety and Teamwork
About Sugar Australia:
Sugar Australia is the nation’s trusted partner in sugar and ingredient solutions, enabling our customers to make great products for every home since 1855. We proudly own and operate refineries, packing facilities, sugar silo terminals, and warehouse distribution sites across the country. You’ll find our retail products at your local supermarket under the iconic CSR sugar brand. We also supply refined sugar products and many other ingredients to the industrial, foodservice, and hospitality industries, serving some of the largest brands in the country.
When you join Sugar Australia, you’re not just stepping into a job – you’re becoming part of a passionate, inclusive, and values‑led culture that champions collaboration, learning and continuous improvement.
Why Join Us?
- Competitive salary and benefits package, on‑site parking and exclusive corporate discounts.
- Health and wellbeing programs, regular social events, and employee recognition initiatives.
- Opportunities for career development and ongoing learning.
- A friendly and collaborative culture, grounded in community values.
- Access to our extensive product library – perfect for those with a passion for baking.
We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
Apply now!
Lead a team that keeps Australia’s sweetest products moving. If you’re ready to make an impact and drive refinery excellence, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today!
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