Factory Manager

Avondale Foods is dedicated to delivering high-quality food products while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. Our mission is to ensure that every product meets the highest standards of quality and safety, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

About the Role

The Factory Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of Avondale Foods manufacturing operation, ensuring production targets, quality standards, food safety and operational efficiency are consistently achieved. The role involves leading production teams, managing resources, maintaining compliance with food safety regulations and driving continuous improvement initiatives to maximise productivity while minimising costs and waste.

Responsibilities

Operations Management

• Plan, organise and manage daily factory operations to achieve production schedules and customer requirements.
• Ensure efficient utilisation of labour, equipment and raw materials.
• Monitor production performance and implement corrective actions where necessary.
• Optimise manufacturing processes to improve productivity and reduce downtime.

Food Safety & Quality

• Ensure compliance with all food safety standards, including HACCP, GMP and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Promote a strong food safety and quality culture throughout the factory.
• Work closely with the Quality Assurance team to resolve quality issues and implement preventive measures.
• Ensure all products meet company and customer specifications.

Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance

• Maintain a safe working environment in line with health and safety legislation.
• Ensure all employees follow safety procedures and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Lead investigations into accidents, incidents and near misses, implementing appropriate corrective actions.
• Promote environmental sustainability and waste reduction initiatives.
• Lead, motivate and develop production managers, supervisors and operational staff.
• Conduct performance reviews and identify training and development opportunities.
• Foster teamwork, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Manage labour to meet operational requirements.

Production Planning & Performance

• Collaborate with planning, procurement, maintenance, intake and despatch teams to ensure smooth production flow.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) including:
• Production output
• Yield
• Downtime
• Labour productivity
• Prepare regular operational reports for senior management.

Maintenance & Asset Management

• Coordinate preventative maintenance schedules with the engineering team.
• Ensure manufacturing equipment is maintained for maximum efficiency and reliability.
• Support capital improvement and equipment upgrade projects.

Cost Control

• Manage operational budgets and control manufacturing costs.
• Reduce waste, improve efficiencies and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Monitor inventory usage and minimise material losses.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Implement process improvements to increase efficiency, quality and safety.
• Encourage employee involvement in problem-solving and innovation.
• Degree in Food Science, Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations Management or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Significant management experience within a food manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of HACCP, GMP, food safety systems and quality management.
• Knowledge of health and safety legislation.
• Experience managing large operational teams.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic planning and decision-making ability.
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking.
• Financial and commercial awareness.
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure.