Job description Senior Operator - Food Manufacturing (Casual to Full‑Time Opportunity) Heidelberg Location | Hands‑On Leadership Role | Growing FMCG Business A leading national food manufacturer is seeking an experienced Senior Operator to oversee daily operations within a high‑volume chilled production environment. This is a hands‑on supervisory role responsible for coordinating a small team, ensuring safe and efficient production, and maintaining high standards of quality and compliance. You will work closely with the Production Coordinator and broader operations team to ensure all products are manufactured on time, in full , and to customer specification. This position will commence on a casual basis , with a strong opportunity to transition into a full‑time permanent role based on performance and business needs. The role will begin on the morning shift and transition to the afternoon shift once fully implemented by mid to late September . Candidates must have prior experience as a Section Leader within a food manufacturing environment. About the Role As the Senior operator, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of your production area. This includes supervising a team of operators, coordinating daily schedules, operating machinery when required, and ensuring all documentation, hygiene, and quality standards are met. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys a mix of leadership and hands‑on work, thrives in a fast‑paced environment, and is confident making decisions on the floor. Key Responsibilities Lead and supervise a team of operators to meet daily production targets Coordinate labour, resources, and workflow to ensure efficient operations Operate cooking and packaging machinery as required Conduct final checks on product quality, packaging integrity, and labelling Ensure all documentation is completed accurately and in line with regulatory standards Maintain hygiene and GMP standards throughout production Identify and escalate safety hazards, equipment defects, and non‑conforming product Support continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to process enhancements Assist with training, onboarding, and development of new team members Skills & Experience Preferred: Proven experience as a Senior Operator in a food manufacturing environment (mandatory) Strong understanding of food safety, HACCP, GMP and safe handling of chilled product Experience operating production machinery and completing start‑up/close‑down tasks Previous supervisory or team‑leading experience Strong communication skills and ability to follow written and verbal instructions Comfortable with bending, reaching and repetitive tasks Competent in identifying compromised product or packaging Basic computer literacy (Microsoft Office); SAP experience desirable What You'll Bring A proactive, solutions‑focused mindset Ability to adapt to change and work collaboratively across departments Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety and quality Confidence making decisions and prioritising tasks in a fast‑moving environment Why Join? Start casual with a clear pathway to full‑time permanent employment Morning shift initially, transitioning to afternoon shift by September Stable role in a well‑established FMCG business Supportive team environment with ongoing training Opportunity to take ownership of a key production area Work with a passionate team committed to quality, safety and continuous improvement
