Job Description
Join Sugar Australia as our Technical & Continuous Improvement Manager and play a critical leadership role at our Racecourse Refinery in Mackay, QLD. In this permanent full-time position, you will provide strong technical leadership to the refinery teams, lead the implementation of systems and processes that continuously improve site performance, and an improvement-focused culture across the refinery.
This is an opportunity for an experienced technical manager who thrives in complex manufacturing environments and is passionate about leading people, strengthening technical knowledge, and delivering sustainable operational outcomes.
Reporting to the Operations Manager – Northern Loop, you’ll be a key member of the Mackay site leadership team, accountable for technical strategy, continuous improvement results, mentoring your engineering team, and embedding best practice across operations.
The sweet things you’ll be involved in:
As Technical & Continuous Improvement Manager, you will lead a skilled team of Process and Process Control Engineers and partner closely with operational teams to drive smarter systems, safer processes and stronger performance across the site.
Your responsibilities will include:
Owning the site’s technical improvement agenda, providing technical leadership to the operation while developing and delivering a structured pipeline of process, efficiency and optimisation initiatives.
Using data, trends and automation to inform decision-making and improve plant performance.
Leading the design and implementation of systems and processes that enhance safety, quality and operational efficiency.
Leading and developing your team, setting performance expectations, building capability and driving delivery against site priorities.
Championing Operational Excellence and best practice in process engineering, process design and EHSQ, ensuring compliance and a proactive safety culture.
Identifying and delivering improvement opportunities, including initiatives to reduce CO₂e emissions and optimise energy and process chemical usage in support of sustainability goals.
Leading investigations and root cause analysis for process issues, ensuring learnings are embedded into systems and standards.
Collaborating with technical and operational teams across Sugar Australia and the Wilmar Group to share knowledge and lift technical performance Influencing site strategy by contributing to medium- and long-term operational plans and capital priorities.
Supporting capital projects from concept through execution, ensuring technical objectives are achieved.
Driving cost optimisation while maintaining product quality and compliance with GMP and HACCP standards.
What you’ll bring to the table:
You are a technically capable, people-focused leader with a passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence. You will bring:
A tertiary qualification in Chemical or Process Engineering or Science (postgraduate qualifications in Business, Finance or Engineering desirable).
10+ years’ experience in manufacturing, FMCG or commodities environments (sugar industry experience strongly desirable).
Proven experience leading technical teams and delivering measurable process and capital improvements.
Demonstrated experience leading Continuous Improvement initiatives and embedding Lean or Operational Excellence practices to achieve sustained performance outcomes.
Strong understanding of EHS, GMP, HACCP and quality management systems.
Demonstrated capability in data-driven decision making, process design and operational optimisation.
Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and influencing skills across all levels.
A proactive, hands-on leadership style with the ability to mentor others, build capability and lead change.
About Sugar Australia:
Sugar Australia is the nation’s trusted partner in sugar and ingredient solutions, enabling our customers to make great products for every home since 1855. We proudly own and operate refineries, packing facilities, sugar silo terminals, and warehouse distribution sites across the country.
You'll find our retail products at your local supermarket under the iconic CSR sugar brand. We also supply refined sugar products and many other ingredients to the industrial, foodservice, and hospitality industries, serving some of the largest brands in the country.
When you join Sugar Australia, you’re not just stepping into a job – you’re becoming part of a passionate, inclusive, and values-led culture that champions collaboration, learning and continuous improvement.
Why join us?
Competitive salary and benefits package, and exclusive corporate discounts.
Health and wellbeing programs, regular social events, and employee recognition initiatives.
Opportunities for career development and ongoing learning.
A friendly and collaborative culture, grounded in community values.
Access to our extensive product library – perfect for those with a passion for baking.
We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
Apply Now!
Join us in transforming the future of sugar manufacturing in Australia. Be part of a team that’s proud to create the sweet things Australians love.
Job Details
Reference #
51703
Posted on
06 Feb 2026
Closes on
06 Mar 2026 17:00
Location(s)
Mackay Racecourse
Expertise
Control Automation, Engineering, Technical
Job level(s)
Management
Work type(s)
Permanent
More details (document)
Business unit
Sugar Australia
