Plant Manager, Smithfield rPlastics

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Plant Manager – rPlastics
Location: Smithfield, NSW

At Visy, we want to shape the future. Together, we drive innovation, create sustainable solutions, and solve the problems that matter. Join us and be part of a team making a real impact.

Lead our state-of-the-art recycled plastics facility in Smithfield. Oversee safety, quality, production, and performance, driving the circular economy forward through food-grade rPET and rHDPE manufacturing.

The Opportunity

Visy is a market leader in sustainable packaging and resource recovery. Our rPlastics division plays a crucial role in converting post-consumer plastic into high-quality resin, closing the loop on packaging waste.

We have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Plant Manager to lead the operations of our rPlastics facility in Smithfield, NSW. This site processes bale stock into food-grade rPET and rHDPE resin, contributing directly to our sustainability targets.

Reporting to the Head of Operations, you’ll be responsible for all site operations including safety, production, reliability, quality, people leadership, compliance, and cost control. You’ll lead a multidisciplinary team and embed a high-performance culture focused on continuous improvement, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive safety and environmental compliance, leading a proactive risk and incident management culture.
• Oversee day-to-day operations and deliver against production targets and quality standards.
• Lead and develop site personnel across engineering, production, logistics, admin and quality teams.
• Champion Lean principles and continuous improvement projects to drive performance and efficiency.
• Manage plant financial performance including cost-per-tonne, OEE, and labour utilisation.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and corporate standards, including EPA, HACCP and ISO requirements.
• Engage with key stakeholders internally and externally including suppliers, regulatory bodies and resin customers.

What You Will Bring to the Team

• 5+ years’ leadership experience in a manufacturing or recycling environment, ideally food-grade or plastics.
• Strong background in operations, people management, and performance delivery in complex environments.
• Experience with process improvement, Lean Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt preferred).
• Strong understanding of safety, quality, compliance, and environmental systems.
• Financial and operational acumen, with a strategic mindset and results focus.
• Outstanding leadership, communication and stakeholder engagement capabilities.

What You’ll Love When You Join Us

• Purpose: Play a leading role in the circular economy by turning plastic waste into high-quality resin.
• Impact: Lead a flagship site with national sustainability significance.
• Career: Build your career in one of Australia’s most sustainable and innovative companies.
• Culture: Join a supportive team committed to safety, development, and continuous improvement.

Ready to lead one of Australia’s most advanced recycled plastics plants? Apply now.

You will be required to meet Visy’s employment criteria, which includes a criminal history check and pre-employment medical (including drug & alcohol testing).

Visy is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion.