Plant Manager, Smalls - JBS Southern

Plant Manager, Smalls - JBS Southern

Plant/Site: JBS Southern Operations Office

Date Posted: 25 Sept 2025

JBS Australia's Southern Division, headquartered in Melbourne, has the largest multi-species processing facility in Australia, processing beef, sheep, and goats. JBS Southern processing facilities have access to all major international markets, providing our livestock suppliers with a range of markets and brand opportunities.

At JBS, we foster a positive and inclusive culture that values diversity and teamwork. We are committed to your professional growth, offering robust career development opportunities within one of the world's most respected organisations.

This is a pivotal leadership opportunity for an individual who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing environment and is passionate about driving performance, safety, and continuous improvement.

The Plant Manager, Smalls will lead all aspects of plant operations, ensuring excellence in production, people management, safety, quality, and animal welfare.

This is a hands-on, strategic role suited to someone with a strong operational mindset and a passion for building engaged, high-performing teams.

As the Plant Manager, you will play a pivotal role in:

• Provide leadership and direction across all areas of plant operations.
• Deliver site throughput targets with a strong emphasis on food safety, animal welfare, quality, and workforce wellbeing.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to boost productivity and reduce costs.
• Manage operational KPIs to ensure efficiency, safety, and compliance targets are met or exceeded.
• Lead preventative maintenance strategies to minimise downtime and optimise plant performance.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and innovation across all levels of the operation.
• Oversee compliance with all Quality, Safety, and Environmental Management requirements.

and you will thrive in a fast-paced environment and possess a strong drive for operational excellence.

You will also "bring to the table":

• Minimum of 10 Years' Experience in the Large Food Processing Management
• Successful management of manufacturing operations, in-depth knowledge of Six Sigma and lean principles, and strong financial and commercial acumen.
• A humble, empathetic nature that inspires teams to deliver an exceptional level of performance whilst embracing a safety-first culture.
• Leadership experience in an automated and fast paced production or operations environment
• The leadership capability to drive and motivate a diverse, workforce and manage change
• Extensive business planning, budgetary and financial management experience
• A commitment to safety, continuous improvement, innovation and change
• Strong communication and team building skills

How to Apply?

Are you ready to be part of the 3rd largest Food & Beverage company in the world (Just behind Nestle & Pepsi!) and have the opportunity to shape the future of our Operations strategy, working closely with leaders across the region.