Assistant Processing Plant Manager - Papua New Guinea

SUMMARY:
PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA


Role Purpose
The Assistant Processing Plant Manager supports the Processing Plant Manager in overseeing the daily operations of a high-volume commercial poultry processing facility. The role is responsible for production efficiency, food safety compliance, workforce management, continuous improvement, and operational reporting. The incumbent assumes full operational responsibility in the absence of the Processing Plant Manager.

POSITION INFO:
Key Responsibilities
Operational Management
- Assist with planning, coordination, and management of production across slaughtering, evisceration, chilling, deboning, cutting, packaging, storage, and dispatch.
- Ensure production targets for volume, yield, quality, and cost efficiency are met.
- Identify bottlenecks and implement improvements to increase productivity and reduce downtime.
- Monitor equipment performance and coordinate with maintenance teams to reduce downtime.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives throughout the facility.
- Implement control measures to minimise wastage across labour, raw materials, packaging, and consumables.
People Management
- Lead, mentor, and develop expat managers, supervisors, and operational teams.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, and performance management processes.
- Promote teamwork, discipline, compliance, and efficiency across a large workforce.
Food Safety & Quality Assurance
- Ensure adherence to HACCP, SSOP, GHP, and sanitation protocols.
- Support quality assurance through audits, documentation, and corrective actions.
- Maintain cold chain integrity and microbiological control across all processing stages.
- Conduct root-cause analysis for non-conformances and customer complaints.
- Support training in HACCP, WHS, sanitation, and operational efficiency.
Work Health & Safety
- Ensure compliance with applicable workplace health and safety regulations.
- Enforce WHS procedures and the correct use of PPE.
- Conduct incident investigations and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
- Participate in WHS meetings, inspections, and safety training.
Compliance & Reporting
- Maintain compliance with food safety, health, and environmental regulations.
- Ensure accurate and up-to-date operational and maintenance records.
- Support internal and external audits.
- Review inventory reporting and investigate variances.
- Maintain accurate production data, yields, temperatures, downtime logs, and attendance records.
Supply Chain & Logistics
- Coordinate with procurement, warehousing, and cold storage teams to ensure continuous supply of raw materials and packaging.
- Monitor inventory levels and reduce wastage across materials and chemicals.
- Support dispatch activities as required.
Risk Management
- Support risk mitigation plans for fire, power outages, equipment failures, product recalls, and emergencies.
- Participate in disaster preparedness and environmental management programs.
Other Responsibilities
- Manage capital expenditure projects related to plant improvements.
- Assist with reviewing purchase orders and related operational costs.
- Perform any other duties as required by management.

Role Requirements
Qualifications
- Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Chemical), Food Technology, Business Management, or a related field.
Experience
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in a food processing or manufacturing management role (poultry processing preferred).
Skills & Competencies
- Strong knowledge of HACCP, GHP, and food safety systems.
- Proven leadership ability with experience managing large teams.
- Strong communication skills (verbal and written).
- Practical problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- High integrity, discipline, and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage a diverse workforce and handle industrial relations matters.
- Strong planning and organisational skills.
- Understanding of food processing operations and engineering principles.
Hours of Work
- 8-hour shifts, 44 hours per week / 88 hours per fortnight.
- Shift work or weekend work may be required based on production demands.
- Flexibility required according to operational needs.
Operational Relationships
Internal:
- Works closely with management, supervisors, quality teams, maintenance teams, and supporting departments.
External:
- Interacts with auditors, suppliers, consultants, and regulatory representatives.
 
Should you not receive a response within 10 working days, please consider your application unsuccessful.

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