Role in the Spotlight series: Operating in a fast-paced and dynamic environment with a strong vision

Right from the get-go, my advice would be to those considering this space, that if you love fast paced, dynamic environments - manufacturing is for you! I’m really proud to be working for an Australian food manufacturer. Here at the Bega Group, I’d describe the culture as collaborative and the best part about my role day to day is an easy one to answer, it is my team and the people who I work with. Working here I really feel differs from other places I’ve worked and that is partly because we have a strong vision and purpose that truly underlines all that we do.

I’ve been with the Bega Group for around five years and previously was in a Technical Leader role in Salisbury, South Australia. Fast forward to today and I am now the site leader for a busy milk processing facility here at Salisbury and the team that I lead is made up of approximately 120 people. What surprised me the most in the space is the lack of women in operational roles on the floor. With this in mind for someone considering a role in this space or even at the Bega Group, my suggestion would be to make use of the wide diversity of functions and roles available within the organisation. Connect with different parts of the business and learn what others do.? From there you can make strong connections and also identify future development opportunities as well as possible later career moves.

When it comes to the skills that are most important in my current role, I’d have to say coaching and development of team members, effective communication and being able to adapt this to various audiences, strong business acumen, change management and both strategic and analytical thinking. In my time here the most exciting project that I have participated in was the team that has been tasked with sourcing a new milk filler for the site. This filler will be essential in future proofing Salisbury’s supply of milk to the South Australian population.

Whilst the Bega Group is a well-known brand, something I think that people may not know is that it started from a small group of local dairy farmers and has since grown into a key Australian owned manufacturing business. When I think about our purpose "Creating Great Food For a Better Future” for me this means that our goal is to produce excellent food that we are proud of - and also ensure that we do so in an ethical and environmentally aware manner - protecting all our futures.

Eager to explore opportunities at the Bega Group and take the next step in your career? Check out the range of openings listed here .