Operations Manager

Company description:

The Metcash story began from the humble origins of our first family-owned corner store in 1927. And for almost 100 years since then, we've been backing independents and strengthening the communities we operate in.

Today, Metcash (ASX: MTS) is Australia and New Zealand's leading independent retail partner and wholesaler in the food, liquor, hardware, and tools industries, with sales of $19.5 billion in FY25. We provide our network with marketing, purchasing, warehousing, distribution and systems support

Job description:

At Metcash, you're part of something bigger. We've got the heart of a small business with the strength and support of a big business.

When you join Metcash, your work makes a real difference to independent businesses and local communities, empowering you to:

• Grow your career with tailored development programs
• Thrive your way with flexible work options
• Make your mark in a high-performing, values-led team

Metcash Food Service and Convenience business includes a banner of brands that specialise in the supply to wholesale, convenience, foodservice and QSR customers across Australia. Some of these brands include Campbells, Superior Food Services, Independent Grocers (NT), Mooloolah River Fisheries, Sealanes, Southern Cross Marines and Global Meats. Joining the Metcash Food Service and Convenience business means the work you do contributes to brands with real purpose, empowering independent businesses and strengthening local communities across Australia.

About the Opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity for an Operations Manager to join our Wholesale team in Townsville on a Full Time Permanent basis. Reporting to the Branch Manager, you will lead the day-to-day warehouse and floor operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and customer-focused service delivery. This role is responsible for achieving DIFOT outcomes, managing operational performance, developing team capability, maintaining compliance, and driving continuous improvement across the branch.

In this Role

• Lead the day-to-day warehouse and branch operations, ensuring safe, efficient and productive outcomes across all functions.
• Drive DIFOT performance and customer service excellence, ensuring products are delivered accurately and on time to customers.
• Manage operational budgets, resources and workforce planning activities to achieve financial and performance targets.
• Champion a strong safety culture by ensuring compliance with WHS, COR, HACCP and environmental requirements.
• Lead, coach and develop supervisors and team members, building capability and supporting succession planning initiatives.
• Foster strong relationships with customers, suppliers and transport partners to deliver exceptional service outcomes.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, productivity and customer satisfaction.
• Oversee onboarding, training and performance management processes to create a high-performing and engaged team

What are we looking for?

• Demonstrated experience in a warehouse, logistics, Food Service or FMCG operations leadership role.
• Strong people leadership skills with a proven ability to motivate, coach and develop high-performing teams.
• Experience managing transport providers, logistics operations or third-party service partners.
• Sound commercial acumen with exposure to operational budgets, cost control and P&L management.
• Solid understanding of warehouse operations, supply chain processes and inventory management principles.
• Knowledge of safety, compliance and industrial relations requirements, including WHS and HACCP standards.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to build collaborative relationships at all levels.
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with a passion for operational excellence, continuous improvement and customer outcomes.

What's on offer

We're proud to offer a workplace that supports your well-being, growth, and belonging:

🏖️ Extra Leave: Enjoy a 5th week of annual leave, 2 well-being days, plus 1 volunteer day annually

📚 Career Growth: Endless learning and development opportunities

👶 Parental Leave: 12 weeks of gender-neutral paid leave for primary carers

🌈 Inclusive Culture: Bronze Employer for LGBTQ Inclusion

⚖️ Neutral Pay Gap: Gender pay gap under 5% (WGEA 2024-2025)

🧠 Mental Health: Gold accreditation by Mental Health Australia

🏡 Flexibility: Flex Ready and Family Friendly Workplace accredited,

About Us

Join us and be part of something bigger!

Metcash is Australia's leading wholesale distribution company, with $19.5 billion in sales (FY25) and a proud spot in the ASX Top 125.

We believe in the power of independent, family-owned businesses to shape vibrant communities. Through our food, liquor, and hardware pillars, we help retailers become the ‘Best Store in Their Town' by providing merchandising, operational and marketing support.

We're committed to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability — and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including First Nations. If you need support during the application process, just let us know. Your privacy and dignity are always respected.

Please note: This role is being managed directly by our internal Talent Acquisition team. We respectfully request that recruitment agencies do not submit profiles or make contact regarding this opportunity.

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