Operations Manager
ABOUT OUR CLIENT
Our client is a purpose-led SME in the food service sector, on a genuine mission to nourish children across Australia with nutritious, high-quality meals. Operating across multiple states and partnering with a growing network of childcare centres, the business caters to a wide range of dietary needs and is experiencing strong commercial momentum.
With a recent acquisition completed and active expansion plans underway, this is a business with real ambition — and the results to back it up. They're scaling fast, and now need the right operational leader to help drive the next chapter of growth.
If you thrive in a fast-moving SME environment where your work genuinely matters, this is a rare opportunity to join at exactly the right moment.
THE ROLE
Reporting directly to the General Manager, the Operations Manager will be the engine room of this growing business — owning the full end-to-end supply chain and warehouse function and driving the operational improvements that will underpin the next phase of growth.
This is not a desk job. The ideal candidate is a genuine player-coach: equally at home walking the warehouse floor as presenting a business case to the board. You'll be stepping into a role with serious scope — and serious opportunity to leave your mark.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Supply Chain & Procurement
Warehouse & Logistics
Systems & Process Improvement
People Leadership
Strategy & Reporting
ABOUT YOU
You're an experienced operations or supply chain leader who gets things done — without needing a team of 50 or a corporate playbook to do it. You've probably worked in food service, food manufacturing, FMCG or a similar environment, and you know what good looks like at every stage of the supply chain.
Most importantly, you've thrived in an SME. You know that in a business like this, the best leaders roll up their sleeves. You're as comfortable stacking shelves or troubleshooting a delivery issue as you are building a business case or negotiating a supplier contract.
Skills & Experience Required
NEXT STEPS
This role is moving quickly, with a target start date of July 2026 to allow for a proper handover. If this sounds like the opportunity you've been looking for, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply now with your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why this role appeals to you, or contact Anthony Branch at Six Degrees Executive for a confidential discussion.
Email: AnthonyB@SDE.com.au
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly to arrange an initial conversation.
Six Degrees Executive acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and live. We are also committed to equal opportunity and strive to promote diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility, and accessibility in all that we do.
Should you require assistance in your interactions with us or through a recruitment process, please let us know so we can provide adjustments for you.
Our client is a purpose-led SME in the food service sector, on a genuine mission to nourish children across Australia with nutritious, high-quality meals. Operating across multiple states and partnering with a growing network of childcare centres, the business caters to a wide range of dietary needs and is experiencing strong commercial momentum.
With a recent acquisition completed and active expansion plans underway, this is a business with real ambition — and the results to back it up. They're scaling fast, and now need the right operational leader to help drive the next chapter of growth.
If you thrive in a fast-moving SME environment where your work genuinely matters, this is a rare opportunity to join at exactly the right moment.
THE ROLE
Reporting directly to the General Manager, the Operations Manager will be the engine room of this growing business — owning the full end-to-end supply chain and warehouse function and driving the operational improvements that will underpin the next phase of growth.
This is not a desk job. The ideal candidate is a genuine player-coach: equally at home walking the warehouse floor as presenting a business case to the board. You'll be stepping into a role with serious scope — and serious opportunity to leave your mark.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Supply Chain & Procurement
- Oversee all supply chain operations — purchasing, demand planning, inventory management and procurement
- Identify and onboard new suppliers to reduce risk and strengthen the supply base
- Manage and negotiate supplier relationships to ensure reliability, quality and favourable terms
- Support the identification of new distribution channels to underpin growth
Warehouse & Logistics
- Lead warehouse operations including pick-pack, stock reviews and inventory accuracy
- Manage 3PL partner relationships and contracts
- Oversee a fleet of company vehicles, including maintenance and compliance
- Ensure safe, efficient and reliable delivery operations across QLD and NSW
Systems & Process Improvement
- Lead the implementation of a new digital pick-pack system in partnership with an external development consultancy
- Steward operational platforms including HubSpot, Unleashed and Xero
- Drive continuous improvement across all operational processes
People Leadership
- Lead and develop a team of ~12, including a warehouse lead, lead driver and casual staff
- Foster a strong safety and quality culture across the team
Strategy & Reporting
- Set and manage KPIs, contributing to board-level scorecard reporting
- Develop business cases for growth initiatives, including new warehouse facilities and fleet investment
- Ensure full HACCP and food safety compliance across all operations
ABOUT YOU
You're an experienced operations or supply chain leader who gets things done — without needing a team of 50 or a corporate playbook to do it. You've probably worked in food service, food manufacturing, FMCG or a similar environment, and you know what good looks like at every stage of the supply chain.
Most importantly, you've thrived in an SME. You know that in a business like this, the best leaders roll up their sleeves. You're as comfortable stacking shelves or troubleshooting a delivery issue as you are building a business case or negotiating a supplier contract.
Skills & Experience Required
- 5+ years in an operations or supply chain leadership role
- Background in food service, food manufacturing, FMCG or manufacturing strongly preferred
- Experience in an SME environment (sub-$50M revenue) — essential
- Transport and logistics experience, including 3PL management and contract negotiation
- Strong analytical and data skills, including advanced Excel proficiency
- Proven project management capability — you follow through
- HACCP and food safety knowledge
- Systems proficiency across inventory/ERP platforms
- Strong communicator — comfortable at every level, from warehouse team to board
NEXT STEPS
This role is moving quickly, with a target start date of July 2026 to allow for a proper handover. If this sounds like the opportunity you've been looking for, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply now with your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why this role appeals to you, or contact Anthony Branch at Six Degrees Executive for a confidential discussion.
Email: AnthonyB@SDE.com.au
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly to arrange an initial conversation.
Six Degrees Executive acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and live. We are also committed to equal opportunity and strive to promote diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility, and accessibility in all that we do.
Should you require assistance in your interactions with us or through a recruitment process, please let us know so we can provide adjustments for you.
Share this job
-
Back to Job Details
- Contract Type permanent
- Reference BH-35686
- Industry
-
Salary$120000 per annum
-
Contact Name
Anthony Branch
Operations Manager
Job Application
Found 0 job