• Lead one of the strongest operational portfolios in an ASX100 industrial 

• Drive operational & safety excellence in multi-site & state business 

• Shape culture, capability and long-term asset outcomes 

 

About the opportunity 

This is a rare senior operational leadership role with full accountability for a large, complex portfolio spanning multiple sites across Victoria and Tasmania. The platform is commercially strong and well established. The next chapter is about transformation and how it operates. You will step into a role where the mandate is clear: lift operational discipline, strengthen and embed safety leadership, mature governance and lead teams through a period of a meaningful transformation. Success will come from visible leadership on site, clarity of expectations and the ability to translate strategy into consistent execution across people, assets, customers and financial outcomes. 

This role sits at the centre of the organisation’s operating engine. Based in the western suburbs of Melbourne, you will work closely with site leaders and functional partners, influencing through a matrixed structure and building momentum through disciplined operating rhythms. The role is also about raising the bar on how the business runs, how leaders lead, and how performance is sustained over time.The environment is highly operational, manufacturing-style in nature, where process, presentation and reliability matter. Above all, safety is non-negotiable.  

 

About you 

You are a senior operational leader who has led complex, asset-intensive operations and is comfortable being accountable at scale. Your background comes from manufacturing, processing, packaging, FMCG, energy, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure or other highly disciplined operating environments. 

You bring strong commercial judgement, deep operational credibility and a visible safety mindset. You are known for building capable leadership teams, setting clear standards and holding performance to account. You operate comfortably in matrixed environments and understand how to drive change through influence as much as authority. 

This role suits an experienced operator who has done this before. You are comfortable operating in ambiguity, setting structure where required, and leading large, diverse frontline teams with clarity and consistency. Above all, safety is non-negotiable. You will be a visible, values-led safety leader who sets clear expectations, raises standards and ensures discipline is embedded in how work is done, every day. 

What’s on offer 

This is an opportunity to lead a high-performing portfolio at a pivotal point in its evolution. You will have genuine influence over people, assets and operating standards, with visibility at senior leadership level within an ASX100-listed organisation.  

The organisation offers a values-led culture, long-term stability, a competitive executive salary, travel expenses covered, and an incentive component aligned to performance. You will also have the opportunity to leave a tangible legacy through safer operations, stronger leadership capability and sustained performance. This role is designed for a leader seeking impact, not just scope. 

For further information please apply via the role advert or contact Sarah Layer or Tiffany Cording with any specific questions: tiffanyc@areteexecutive.com.au or 0450 277 192. Please note I am based in Brisbane. Given the high volume of applications and enquiries, we kindly ask for your patience as we work through responses. Please note that email applications will not be accepted to ensure a fair and consistent process.

You must have unrestricted working rights in Australia to apply. As part of the recruitment process, reference checks will be conducted, with two recent references from direct line managers being mandatory. In addition, employers may require other pre-employment checks at their discretion, which can include medical, police, or psychometric assessments depending on the specific requirements of the role.

Arete Executive specialises in the Search & Recruitment of Leadership & Executive roles throughout Australia. We offer cost effective headhunting services from 10% with guaranteed results delivered in under 20 days. Candidate confidentiality is assured with all applications, with your privacy being our utmost priority. Partner with us for fast, reliable, and impactful recruitment solutions.