Production Leading Hand

Harris Smokehouse

Mount Barker, Australia (On-site)

Other  

Date posted: August 22, 2026

Closes: Sep 21, 2026


About the role

At Harris Smokehouse is seeking an experienced Leading Hand to help lead the charge. Based at our state-of-the-art Mount Barker facility, you'll take real ownership of machine performance, keeping every line running at its best.

Reporting to the Team Supervisor and working shoulder-to-shoulder with the factory team, you'll lead from the front — coordinating machine operations, driving production, and keeping yield on point. This is genuine, hands-on leadership: physical, fast-paced and deeply rewarding.

Key responsibilities

  • Report to the Team Supervisor and work closely with the wider factory team

  • Lead a production team on the floor, keeping work organised and on schedule

  • Coordinate machinery and lead staff to keep production flowing efficiently

  • Ability to follow instructions and maintain records

  • Monitor production output and yield, taking action to keep both on track

  • Take ownership of machine settings, running and optimising equipment on the line

  • Train and support new employees as they join the team

  • Uphold WHS and HACCP procedures at all times

  • Fault-find production and machinery issues, working closely with Maintenance and Quality

  • Lead and assist with cleaning to food safety standards

  • Step in operationally wherever needed — this is a genuinely hands-on role

About you

  • Experience in manufacturing or food production (essential)

  • Exposure to machinery, plant or equipment environments — seafood or meat processing highly regarded

  • Previous experience as a leading hand or supervisor

  • Working knowledge of HACCP and WHS procedures

  • Confidence fault-finding machinery and process issues, and liaising with Maintenance and management

  • Ability to lift up to 20kg and remain on your feet for extended periods

  • Comfortable working in a cold, wet environment

  • Sound understanding of safety, maintenance and operational processes

Benefits

  • Above Award wages

  • A key leadership role with genuine influence on the production floor

  • Competitive remuneration

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) — support to help you thrive at home and at work

  • Onsite parking

Apply for this role

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