Area Manager - Maintenance

Culture and Benefits

At Simplot, we are fuelled by our purpose: We Contribute to Feeding Our World. We imagine a better future and set goals to reach it. We are committed to working as one Simplot and are guided by our shared values: 

• Respect for Resources
• Spirit of Innovation
• Passion for People

We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion. We care about creating an environment that promotes safety and wellbeing and where our people feel supported, respected and empowered. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination and are committed to providing equal opportunities for all our team members.

Simplot is passionate about cultivating a future where good ideas and inspiring possibilities have the chance to grow. We want our team members to build exciting and fulfilling careers with us and offer professional and personal growth opportunities.

The Perks

• A variety of engaging Health and Wellbeing programs including an on-site soft tissue centre
• Diverse Leadership Development Programs and Professional Development Support
• Employee Reward and Recognition Program 
• Bonus incentives and discounted Health Insurance 
• Novated Car Leasing Agreements
• Income Protection Insurance 
• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave 

About our role

We are looking for an Area Manager – Maintenance to join our team at Bathurst. This is a permanent, full-time role reporting to the Maintenance Manager and leading a team of 28 skilled tradespeople, including fitters, electricians, and team leaders. You’ll play a key role in ensuring the efficient operation of our plant and equipment, driving reliability, safety, and continuous improvement across our manufacturing site. This is an opportunity to make a real impact in a dynamic FMCG environment with a long-standing team and strong culture. 

What you will do

• Lead and manage mechanical and electrical trades to deliver maintenance plans and meet site KPIs. 
• Drive performance improvements using lean manufacturing principles. 
• Oversee preventative maintenance strategies to improve reliability and reduce downtime. 
• Manage repairs and maintenance budgets and identify cost-effective solutions. 
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to align maintenance schedules with production plans. 
• Support and implement capital investment and continuous improvement projects. 
• Provide coaching, training, and development opportunities to build a high-performing team. 
• Ensure compliance with safety, food safety, environmental, and regulatory standards. 
• Foster a positive team culture and maintain strong industrial relations.

About you

• Mechanical and/or Electrical Trade qualification is essential, tertiary engineering qualifications desirable. 
• Minimum 5+ years’ experience in a maintenance leadership role within manufacturing (FMCG food industry preferred). 
• Strong people leadership skills with the ability to coach, mentor, and build relationships. 
• Experience with lean manufacturing methodology and continuous improvement initiatives. 
• Knowledge of computerised maintenance management systems and MS Office. 
• Resilient, adaptable, and able to influence and engage a long-serving workforce. 
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills and a commitment to safety and quality.

If this sounds like you, then please apply online now. 

Applications close Friday 9th January 2026. 

Our offices will be closed for the holiday period from 22 December 2025 to 2 January 2026. Applications will remain open during this time, and we encourage you to apply. We will resume reviewing applications and contacting candidates after the closure. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

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