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Careers / Operations Manager

Operations Manager
- Carrum Downs, Melbourne VIC, Australia

  • Have you proven leadership in FMCG operations?
  • Strong industry knowledge and networks in food ingredients, with a focus on innovation and CI-driven solutions
  • Are you a leader of people with excellent organisation, problem-solving skills, and a growth mindset?

If this sounds like you, a collaborative style, and continuous improvement mindset, we’ve been hoping you’ve knocked on our doorstep!

 

WHO WE ARE

We are an Australian-owned flavour house, with operations in both Australia and Vietnam. Established in 1989 as a family-owned business, Essential is now into the second generation of Nielsen management and continues to cherish the family values entrenched by the founder John. Located in Carrum Downs, Victoria, our facility is purpose-built to our requirements and to further expand our capabilities in local and international markets.

Our business continues to strengthen and grow after 30 years with our focus on partnering with our clients to develop new, unique, and ever-evolving flavours and product solutions. Picture the time when you were a child, savouring the tastes that came with eating your favourite food. These recollections are what drives us to be part of creating “Future Memories.”

 

WHY WORK FOR US?

  • We are passionate about what we do and are guided by our core values:
  • We are our community
  • We have a learning and evolutionary mindset
  • We think beyond our borders
  • We deliver solutions
  • We share the love

We have a strong sense of team and a supportive, forward thinking environment. We focused on delivering the best products and service for our customers, and we also make time to celebrate our achievements and share our successes.

Our story still has many pages to be written and we are now seeking an Operations Manager to provide technical support the flavour creations team and help deliver an array of flavour solutions to our customers in a socially ethical, responsible, and sustainable way.

 

HOW YOU would  JAZZ WITH US

Join our team as a dynamic leader driving operational excellence across continuous improvement, people development, and strategic plant management.

  • Lead company-wide CI initiatives, root cause analysis, and KPI performance
  • Champion safety, quality, and environmental compliance
  • Foster a high-performance culture through training, mentoring, and succession planning
  • Motivate teams, drive innovation, and ensure DIFOT targets are exceeded
  • Oversee plant operations, MRP system, optimise production efficiency, and manage budgets
  • Reduce waste, boost profitability, and implement best practices
  • Support strategic planning and equipment maintenance to minimise downtime
  • Be part of a team focused on sustainable growth, operational success, and people-first leadership

 

A BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND

  • Extensive experience managing Production, Warehousing, and Administration within the FMCG sector
  • Strong appreciation for technical innovation in the food ingredient industry
  • Well-connected with a broad network across the food ingredient sector
  • Skilled in leveraging intellectual property to develop tailored customer solutions
  • Proven ability to create and manage strategy and budgets with a forward-thinking approach
  • Experienced team leader with excellent communication and relationship-building skills
  • Highly organised, proactive, and solutions-focused with strong problem-solving abilities
  • Collaborative and effective team player with a high level of initiative

To find out more about us, please visit our website: https://www.essentialflavours.com.au/
If this sounds like the job for you, apply for this job and include a CV and a cover letter.

Essential Flavours