Production Manager (Cheese Processing) (Yatala)

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 People Leadership
- 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 Continuous Improvement
- 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 solid 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. Applications close: Friday 12th June 2026 Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Apply on Kit Job: kitjobau.com/job/3qejty