Manufacturing Manager

At Pact Packaging (Pact Group), we are a leader in rigid plastics packaging across Australia and New Zealand, servicing some of the region’s most recognised consumer, food, dairy, and industrial brands. We design, manufacture and supply innovative packaging solutions that are essential to everyday products people rely on.

Our business is focused on circular economy outcomes, with a strong commitment to reducing waste and increasing the use of recycled materials in our packaging. Through advanced manufacturing capabilities, integrated recycling solutions, and strong customer partnerships, we are helping shape a more sustainable future.

About the role:

Reporting to the Business Unit Manager, the Manufacturing Manager is accountable for the safe, efficient, and cost-effective delivery of production outcomes, while driving continuous improvement across Safety, Quality, Delivery and Cost.

This is a unique opportunity to combine hands-on operational leadership with strategic manufacturing excellence to help drive performance improvements, capability uplift, and process optimisation in a growing business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead daily manufacturing operations to deliver production targets aligned to customer demand
• Drive performance across key metrics including safety, quality, cost, delivery, and waste
• Ensure adherence to the production schedule and proactively manage risks and delays
• Play a central role in site expansion initiatives and capital projects, including implementation and optimisation
• Drive continuous improvement through lean manufacturing and operational excellence initiatives
• Champion a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with WHSE standards and legislation
• Maintain and improve quality systems aligned to HACCP, FSSC22000 and ISO standards
• Partner closely with maintenance teams to maximise equipment reliability and performance
• Identify capital investment opportunities and contribute to long-term site strategy
• Lead, coach and develop a team, build capability and engagement
• Drive strong industrial relations and foster a high-performing, accountable culture

Your Skills and Experience: 

• Extensive experience in manufacturing (FMCG or similar), with 10+ years in leadership roles
• Demonstrated success in leading high-performing teams and driving change
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement
• Experience in capital projects, or major transformation programs
• Sound understanding of safety, quality, and regulatory frameworks
• Strong commercial acumen and decision-making capability
• Engineering or manufacturing-related tertiary qualification
• Experience with SAP or similar systems and exposure to unionised environments will be highly regarded.

• Relevant Tertiary Qualifications - Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering Degree.

Why Join Pact?

• Join a business at the forefront of sustainable manufacturing
• Be part of a strong leadership team driving operational excellence
• Competitive salary and career growth opportunities