Maintenance Manager

Thomas Foods International (TFI) is one of Australia's largest and most respected food companies. Proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, we supply premium Australian lamb, beef and value-added products to customers in more than 80 countries.

At TFI, we're committed to delivering quality, innovation and reliability while investing in our people, facilities and communities. We are seeking an experienced and driven Maintenance Manager to lead the maintenance function at our Stawell Victoria processing facility and play a key role in supporting operational excellence.

If you're an inspiring leader with strong technical expertise and a passion for continuous improvement, this is an outstanding opportunity to make a genuine impact within a growing business.

Reporting to the Plant Manager, you will lead a skilled maintenance team of approximately 25 employees, ensuring the safe, reliable and efficient operation of plant equipment across the site.

You will oversee both preventative and reactive maintenance strategies, optimise asset performance, minimise downtime and drive continuous improvement initiatives that support production and business objectives.

This is a highly visible leadership role where your ability to influence, plan and deliver results will directly contribute to the ongoing success of the operation.

• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing maintenance team.

• Develop and implement preventative maintenance strategies, procedures and work schedules.

• Ensure plant equipment operates safely, efficiently and reliably while minimising downtime.

• Work closely with Production and Site Leadership to prioritise maintenance activities and resolve operational issues.

• Manage maintenance planning through the CMMS (MEX) system and continuously improve maintenance processes.

• Coordinate contractors and oversee maintenance projects and small capital works.

• Manage the maintenance budget, ensuring cost-effective use of resources.

• Oversee maintenance stores and critical spare parts inventory.

• Monitor maintenance performance through KPIs and implement initiatives that improve equipment reliability and asset life.

• Foster a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all food safety, quality and regulatory requirements.

We're looking for an experienced maintenance leader who enjoys building capable teams and improving operational performance.

You'll bring:

• Tertiary qualifications in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.

• Five or more years' experience leading maintenance teams within manufacturing, food processing, meat processing or other heavy industrial environments.

• Strong technical knowledge across mechanical, electrical, hydraulics, pneumatics, pumps and refrigeration systems.

• Experience using Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), ideally MEX.

• Proven experience managing maintenance budgets, contractors and capital improvement projects.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on continuous improvement.

• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management abilities.

• A collaborative, hands-on leadership style with the ability to build high-performing teams.

At TFI, you'll join an organisation that values its people as much as its products.

We offer:

• A key leadership position with genuine influence across site operations.

• The opportunity to lead continuous improvement and modern maintenance practices.

• Competitive salary package.

• Career development within one of Australia's leading food manufacturers.

• A supportive leadership team that values innovation and initiative.

• Long-term career stability within a growing Australian business.

Located at the gateway to the spectacular Grampians National Park, Stawell offers an outstanding regional lifestyle with affordable housing, excellent schools, sporting facilities and a welcoming community.

Enjoy the benefits of a rewarding leadership career while experiencing a relaxed lifestyle surrounded by some of Victoria's most beautiful natural landscapes.

If you're a motivated maintenance professional looking for your next leadership challenge, we'd love to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Anthony Caulfield on 0429 901 *** or email ***************@thomasfoods.com.

Apply now and become part of a proudly Australian company committed to quality, innovation and operational excellence.