Production, Planning & Scheduling (Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics)
Lewis Horticulture is a family-owned business with over 50 years of experience, specialising in three core areas: manufacturing Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO), running a production nursery, and supplying fresh pomegranates. Our operations span South Australia, and our production nursery focuses on container-grown ornamental, amenity landscape, and fruit trees. We are industry leaders in manufacturing award-winning EVOO from our high-density olive grove, where raw olives are harvested, mechanically processed, and subjected to rigorous quality control to produce the finest EVOO which is packaged and distributed across Australia.
Lewis Horticulture is seeking a skilled and proactive Production Manager to join our team, with a primary focus on managing our olive oil manufacturing operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for planning, organising, and coordinating the production activities of Lewis Horticulture's olive oil manufacturing, including physical and human resources, to ensure that products are delivered on time, within budget, and meet our high standards of quality. This role offers the chance to contribute to a business that is committed to excellence, growth, and sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
Plan, organise, and coordinate the production of Lewis Horticulture's products, including olive trees, EVOO, and pomegranates, to create high-quality products whilst ensuring cost-effective and efficient use of physical and human resources. Develop and execute strategies, policies, and plans that guide production activities, monitoring to ensure that the production schedule is adhered to while keeping operations within budget. Monitor the flow of production activities, ensuring output quality and quantity are met, with a loss rate not exceeding 30% (20% in Young Plant, 10% in Production), while making necessary adjustments to optimise resources and reduce costs. Lead and supervise staff operations, including mentoring and developing staff whilst regularly assessing their performance to ensure production is monitored in alignment with the company's objectives. Oversee the maintenance and operation of production equipment, water delivery systems, filtration systems, and property infrastructure, while also managing quality procedures through scheduled maintenance and ensuring the supply of necessary parts and tools to maintain efficient production. Manage the smooth installation and integration of new equipment as needed to support efficient production, while ensuring adherence to and implementation of occupational health and safety standards. Ensure accurate record-keeping of production activities, inventory, and physical and labour resource use, with detailed production reports on output, quality, costs, and efficiency. Monitor and document all stages of production, implementing necessary adjustments, and provide regular updates on production matters to the Managing Director. Coordinate and direct production activities across five main work units: Young Plants, Production, Plant Quality, Dispatch, and In-Ground Crops, ensuring sustainable and efficient operations. Lead research into innovative and improved production methods and applying initiatives to boost efficiency, reduce costs, and elevate product quality. Skills and Experience Requirements
Minimum of 1 year experience in a production management role, preferably within the horticulture manufacturing sector. Proven leadership and team management abilities, with experience in resource allocation. Solid understanding of production processes, quality control, and efficiency measures, including experience in managing operational units, equipment maintenance, and production data reporting. Strong ability to meet strict production deadlines while managing resources efficiently. Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail, ensuring precision in production planning, inventory management, and staff supervision. Effective communication skills, with the ability to clearly and efficiently coordinate with the entire team. #J-18808-Ljbffr