Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
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Kylie Handley

Summary

Dynamic Operations Manager with a proven track record at Darrell Lea Chocolates, enhancing productivity through process improvements and quality assurance controls. Skilled in health and safety compliance and staff development, I foster a culture of continuous improvement, empowering teams to excel while significantly reducing operational costs and workplace accidents.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Operations Manager

Darrell Lea Chocolates
06.2021 - 03.2025
  • Spearheaded process improvements, resulting in increased productivity and reduced operational costs.
  • Championed safety protocols to maintain a secure working environment, reducing workplace accidents significantly.
  • Analyzed data trends to identify potential bottlenecks in operations workflow, implementing strategies to mitigate risks accordingly.
  • Implemented quality control systems to boost overall product consistency and reliability.
  • Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
  • Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
  • Established a culture of continuous improvement by identifying opportunities for enhancement in operations, systems, and procedures.
  • Established standard operating procedures that enhanced employee performance.
  • Established positive and effective communication among staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications, and missed deadlines.
  • Championed change management initiatives to facilitate seamless transitions during organizational restructuring or process improvements.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
  • Led hiring, onboarding and training of new hires to fulfill business requirements.
  • Managed budgets effectively, consistently delivering projects on-time and within financial constraints.
  • Analyzed and reported on key performance metrics to senior management.

National Internal Auditor

Allied Pinnacle
11.2019 - 12.2021
  • Performed internal audits across milling, baking and warehousing operations developing risk assessments and conducting process walkthroughs for compliance with documented processes.
  • Produced audit reports collated key trends of compliance and non compliance and presented to all 13 sites and senior leadership team with action plans developed to align to multiple audit standards and company policies.
  • Developed strong working relationships with external auditors, facilitating efficient communication during annual audits.
  • Assisted in the development of company policies and procedures, promoting a strong internal control environment.
  • Investigated discrepancies discovered during auditing process.
  • Contributed to a positive work environment by collaborating effectively with colleagues across all levels of the organization.
  • Supported management in developing action plans to address identified issues, promoting timely resolution of audit findings.
  • Documented recommendations to improve internal controls with site key stakeholders post audits.
  • Provided valuable insights to management by presenting clear and concise audit findings, contributing to informed decision-making processes.
  • Conducted training sessions for staff members on best practices in internal auditing, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Evaluated compliance with regulatory requirements, mitigating potential risks and protecting organizational reputation.
  • Evaluated company's policies to determine how well standards adhered to best practices With a hands on approach with operational teams.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to design and execute comprehensive audit plans, ensuring alignment with company objectives.

Warehouse Manager

Allied Pinnacle Altona
10.2017 - 11.2019
  • Responsible for 24/7 operation supplying materials to 8 production lines, order picking and packing for route trade and inbound and outbound goods.
  • Purchasing materials Bulk, chilled and ambient Ensuring shelf life was optimum on delivery.
  • Collaborated with other department managers to address cross-functional issues promptly and implement process improvements as needed.
  • weekly review of DIFOT and site performance and any misses captured and action plans developed Where required.
  • Conducted regular inventory audits to ensure accurate stock levels and minimize discrepancies in the M3 system.
  • Optimized inventory levels to meet demand without overstocking, using data analysis, forecasting techniques and working closely with internal supplier.
  • Completed timely and accurate daily logs to keep internal reporting accurate and track materials movements.
  • Coordinated with vendors to verify timely delivery of materials and supplies, avoiding delays.
  • Managed relationships with external partners such as suppliers, ensuring timely deliveries while minimizing disruptions in supply chain operations.
  • Developed inbound and outbound schedules to meet site requirements and reduce labour spend.
  • Ensured compliance with safety regulations through regular inspections, staff training, and policy updates.
  • Fostered a positive workplace culture that motivated employees to perform their best while maintaining a high morale.
  • Daily toolbox meeting of safety, quality and operations for previous and next 24 hours and any feedback and actions required.
  • Reduced product damage rates by enforcing proper handling procedures and conducting regular staff training.
  • Established comprehensive employee training programs that focused on best practices in warehousing, material handling, and equipment operation for enhanced workforce competence.

Production Manager

Allied Pinnacle
06.2015 - 10.2017
  • Responsible for 3 production lines ( 2 Pastry lines and a cookie line) operating 24/7 with total of 30 staff per shift.
  • Commissioned 2 pastry lines one brand new and one moved from another plant.
  • Developed training programs for production staff, enhancing skill levels and efficiency.
  • Streamlined communication between departments, improving project coordination and on-time delivery rates.
  • Created and oversaw production schedules and adjusted as needed to meet deadlines.
  • Managed personnel by implementing company policies, procedures, work rules, and disciplinary action.
  • Evaluated employee performance and provided feedback and training as needed.
  • Planned operations to meet established schedules, factoring in order demands and business forecasts.
  • Analyzed production data and prepared reports for senior management.
  • Collaborated with technical and administrative teams to develop and implement successful corrective plans.
  • Fostered a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging open communication between team members and regularly soliciting feedback on operational procedures.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery of high-quality products according to customer requirements.
  • Reviewed work for quality and compliance with company standards and design specifications.
  • Managed internal operational standards and productivity targets.
  • Reviewed maintenance and repair problems to determine appropriate action for resolution.
  • Established preventive maintenance schedule for production equipment, minimizing unplanned downtime.
  • completed rostering and payroll for lines
  • mentored and upskilled line leads on safety, quality and operational KPIs through daily meeting.
  • Championed safety initiatives within the workplace, leading to a significant decrease in accidents and injuries among staff members. (Including LOTO development & implementation)
  • Reporting labour and material variances. Root cause and action plans developed particularly during commissioning.
  • Developed strong relationships with key stakeholders, resulting in better collaboration and alignment on project objectives.
  • Created SOPs to align teams on operating procedures through collaboration and training.

Production Manager

Kerry Ingrediants
06.2012 - 04.2015
  • Responsible for 2 auto bake production lines operating 24/5 with a crew of 25 per shift.
  • Mentoring and guiding line leads utilizing safety, quality and operational KPIs as drivers to meet operational objectives.
  • Identifying and implanting training and development requirements and empowering line leads to develop there teams.
  • ensuring all work orders completed and closed reviewing closely material variances and implanting action plans where issues arose.
  • recruitment of staff both permanent and casual, in line with budget requirements.
  • working closely with labour provider to ensure supply of casuals was consistent with production demand.
  • completion of payroll using TMS system.
  • working with quality team to ensure compliance to product specifications and food safety processes, through ongoing training.
  • Daily toolbox meeting on shift handovers to ensure clarity with line leads.
  • daily last 24 hour reporting to site manager on safety, quality and operational targets.
  • Worked closely with planning on production schedule for most efficient plan to reduce labour cost still meeting customer requirements.
  • working closely with OH&S to ensure a safe working environment.
  • Focus with team on 5s and lean manufacturing to make their job easier not harder.
  • focus on continuous improvement

Education

High School Diploma -

Brauer Secondary College
Warrnambool, VIC
11-1993

Skills

  • Operations management
  • Quality assurance controls
  • Continuous improvements
  • Health and safety compliance
  • Staff development
  • Adaptability
  • Process improvement
  • Decision-making
  • Employee motivation

Accomplishments

Darrell Lea

- LTI 321 days fee

- 50% increase in hazard reporting

- AA+ BRC rated facility

- CPMU target

- New 1.8 million dollar high boil production line installed and operational within 6months supplying to customer.

- New bulk handling system and production line equipment installed and operational to manufacture chocolate bars bringing in 2 million dollars annually to the business that was previously outsourced.

- New equipment installed on Easter production line to increase efficiency and quality standards of foiling with an annual payback of 180k annually.

- Building a culture within the site team with safety and quality at the fore front in a fast paced manufacturing plant achieving operational requirements.


Allied Pinnacle

- successfully having all 7 distribution centres maintain AA ratings.


Certification

  • Internal Auditor Nov 2019 (BSI)
  • Principles of HACCP December 2019 (BSI)
  • HACCAP refresher August 2021 (BSI)
  • Diploma of competitive manufacturing July 2014 (work institute of applied learning)
  • Safe working at heights 2012 ( safety results)
  • Fundamentals of Leadership 2009 (Goulburn ovens institute of Tafe)
  • Certificate 11 in food processing 2005(Goulburn ovens institute of Tafe)

Timeline

Operations Manager

Darrell Lea Chocolates
06.2021 - 03.2025

National Internal Auditor

Allied Pinnacle
11.2019 - 12.2021

Warehouse Manager

Allied Pinnacle Altona
10.2017 - 11.2019

Production Manager

Allied Pinnacle
06.2015 - 10.2017

Production Manager

Kerry Ingrediants
06.2012 - 04.2015

High School Diploma -

Brauer Secondary College

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Kylie Handley