• Lead organisation-wide operational improvement initiatives across manufacturing, warehouse and packaging operations in Seven Hills
• Newly created role with the opportunity to shape systems, processes and long-term operational capability
• Join a purpose-driven organisation creating meaningful employment opportunities for people with disability

Impact of the organisation

For more than 75 years, Access Industries has been creating meaningful employment opportunities for people living with disability through high-quality manufacturing, packaging and logistics services.

Operating across multiple NSW sites, Access partners with leading FMCG, healthcare and consumer brands while balancing commercial excellence with social impact. As the organisation continues to grow, it is investing in operational capability, smarter systems and continuous improvement to strengthen performance and expand opportunities for the people it employs.

This newly created role offers the opportunity to influence how a purpose-driven organisation operates for years to come.

Impact you will have in this role

Reporting to the General Manager - Operations & Delivery, you will lead operational excellence initiatives across manufacturing, warehouse and packaging operations, helping improve productivity, material flow, labour utilisation and manufacturing capability.

This is far more than a traditional Continuous Improvement position. You'll spend significant time on the factory floor working alongside operational teams, understanding how work is performed, identifying practical opportunities for improvement and embedding sustainable systems that make everyday operations simpler, safer and more effective.

The successful candidate will help develop and embed a consistent operational management system across Access Industries, including Daily Management, KPI review, visual management and standard work. You will also improve warehouse-to-production material flow, line-side replenishment and inventory presentation through practical operational design.

Working across multiple NSW sites, you'll also play a key role in supporting operational improvement initiatives and future planning for the Newcastle operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead operational improvement initiatives that increase productivity and operational performance
• Review and optimise warehouse operations, production layouts, material flow and labour utilisation
• Design and implement practical Operational Excellence systems including Daily Management, Standard Work, Visual Management and KPI frameworks
• Identify automation and manufacturing capability opportunities, developing business cases and supporting implementation
• Analyse operational performance data to drive measurable business improvements
• Lead cross-functional operational transformation projects across multiple sites
• Coach leaders and supervisors to build long-term capability in operational excellence and continuous improvement
• Ensure all improvements maintain the highest standards of safety, quality, TGA and HACCP compliance

About You

You'll be an experienced operational leader who enjoys solving complex problems and working closely with frontline teams to deliver practical improvements.

You will bring:

• Extensive experience within manufacturing, logistics, warehousing or industrial operations
• A proven track record delivering productivity and operational improvement initiatives
• Strong knowledge of operational excellence, Lean principles, industrial engineering or continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience redesigning workflows, production layouts and operational systems
• Strong analytical, project management and stakeholder engagement skills
• A collaborative, hands-on leadership style with the ability to influence across all levels of an organisation
• Experience within FMCG, pharmaceutical packaging, food manufacturing, medical devices, contract packaging or similar regulated manufacturing environments will be highly regarded
• Experience working with warehouse operations and third-party logistics providers will be highly regarded
• Experience with regulated manufacturing environments, including TGA, GMP, HACCP or similar quality systems.

Benefits of Working with Access Industries

• Competitive remuneration package, including access to FBT benefits available to NFP organisations
• Opportunity to join a long-standing, reputable organisation with a strong social purpose
• Lead a newly created role with organisation-wide influence
• Shape the future of operational excellence across multiple manufacturing sites
• Work for a respected purpose-driven organisation creating meaningful employment opportunities for people living with disability
• Join a collaborative executive team committed to investing in operational capability and innovation
• Two-year fixed term contract with the opportunity to transition to a permanent role, subject to organisational requirements, demonstrated value and performance

How to Apply

If you're passionate about improving operational performance while making a genuine social impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Please apply via the 'Apply Now' button by uploading your resume. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, with conversations progressing with suitable candidates throughout the recruitment process. Interviews may commence prior to the closing date, so we encourage early applications.

Please direct all enquiries to Erin Hinchey at Impact Advising on 0421 179 509 or by email [email protected] using the subject line: Continuous Improvement Manager - Access Industries enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Impact Advising is committed to creating diverse and inclusive work environments that reflect the rich tapestry of our communities. We believe that diversity enriches organisations and fosters innovation. We are dedicated to building workforces that are a representative of the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of our society. We embrace diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and cultural background. We actively seek to foster inclusive workplaces where all employees can bring their whole selves to work, feel respected and valued, and have equal opportunities for growth and advancement. We are committed to providing a fair and unbiased recruitment process, and we strive to eliminate any barriers that may impede the inclusion and participation of underrepresented groups in workforces.