Who are we?

Lyka is an Australian founded pet wellness company that’s shaking up an outdated industry and paving the way for happier, healthier pets. Despite medical advancements, animal lifespans are on the decline. Today, the average pet only reaches 37% of their full potential lifespan and statistics have shown us that many suffer from dental disease, cancer, and obesity. Simply put, the status quo is not enough.

As humans, we’ve experienced firsthand the positive impact fresh wholefoods can have on our health and wellbeing, and we believe our furry friends deserve the same. We're on a mission to do just that, starting with nutritionally balanced, wholefood meals delivered direct to doors around Australia. As the world’s most sustainable pet wellness company, we’re putting pets and our planet first - one bowl at a time.

Today, we are proud to share we’ve served over 50 million meals to puppers and their parents across Australia, and this is just the beginning. Our vision is to create multiple nutritional products, adding disease prevention meals and supplements, and expand into new markets.

Currently, we have a team of 250+ pet-obsessed people, and we're continuing to grow (yes, looking at you!). These carefully selected people are dedicated to building the next generation of technology and products to help empower pet parents to take control over their pet’s wellbeing.

Our Mission

The time we share with our pets is being cut short. Despite medical advancements, they’re getting sicker earlier. They’re dying prematurely. The industry has it backwards - prioritising treating symptoms instead of addressing the root cause. That’s where we come in.

At Lyka, we take a preventative, holistic and personalised approach to pet care. We look at the full picture, factoring in the diet, lifestyle and environment of each individual animal.

We don’t stop at symptoms, instead we dig for the root cause. We create nutrition plans unique to each pet, because it’s not just about living longer, but living well too.

Our mission is to increase the lifespan of dogs and cats.

The Role

In this leadership position, you’ll manage operations on the production floor, ensuring the efficient and compliant operation of the production area during the afternoon shift (2pm to 10pm, Monday to Friday). You will be responsible for ensuring manufacturing activities are performed according to safety, quality, and productivity standards, while also acting as the primary QA point of contact during the shift.

Responsibilities

• lead and guide Team Leaders, Section Leaders and Operators in the execution of team plans, to achieve business targets and goals
• effectively communicate, and ensure the achievement of KPIs and continuous improvement initiatives
• ensure the efficient running of manufacturing, coordinating effectively with other stakeholders to ensure product is delivered on time and to a high standard of quality
• take responsibility of SOP, SOC and QC document management and compliance, including auditing the operator performance
• be accountable for compliance within all production areas in accordance with SHEQ standards
• track and investigate customer complaints and any non-conformance issues, conduct root cause analysis and ensure corrective and preventative actions are taken with relevant teams
• lead and assist the respective site and network teams is delivering and embedding manufacturing best practice and operational excellence methodologies
• keep accurate documentation of product quality records, tests and inspections that have been conducted, to ensure full traceability
• provide support and backup to the Manufacturing Manager and SHEQ Officer as required

• 6+ years supervisory experience in a fast-paced automated food processing environment
• mechanically minded with basic machine troubleshooting skills (Degree Qualifications in a field related to manufacturing/engineering preferred)
• strong leadership skills with experience managing a large workforce
• an in depth understanding of quality control procedures and relevant standards; experience with ISO Quality Systems, HACCP and GMP environments
• experience implementing and actively encouraging 5S/LEAN methodologies site-wide to reduce risk, waste, and increase efficiencies
• a strong eye for detail and problem solving skills; the ability to identify quality and process problems, and engage others to help provide the root cause to resulting actions
• sound interpersonal and communication skills (both written and oral), with the proven ability to build relationships, influence and gain support across all levels
• self-motivated and reliable team player, displaying a flexible approach to supporting the production team to achieve its goals
• a high level of commitment and passion, particularly with regards to human safety, food safety, the environment, and customer service

• Work in a fast-growing start-up, experiencing what goes behind the scenes to sustain hyper-growth for a start-up with a physical product!
• Growth and Development - Lyka is growing extremely quickly, which means you will have the opportunity to experience different challenges every day and progressively acquire more responsibilities as our facility and team expands. We provide an annual budget for you to continue your personal development.
• Work for a sustainability focused company - we care about the health of our pets and our planet. We’re proud to be Australia’s only carbon-negative and plastic-negative pet company and we’re always looking at ways for us improve sustainability practices.
• Be part of a diverse top talent team, coming from widely different backgrounds and geographies.
• Up to 18 weeks of paid parental leave top-up.
• Wellbeing assistance and tools to take care of your mental and physical wellbeing so you can do your best work.
• Pupper parent support to care for your furry friends - flexible arrangements for new pets, pet-friendly offices, discounts, and financial allowance for dog training & care to help them live their best life.

We are committed to building inclusive and diverse teams

Lyka is an equal opportunity employer devoted to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. We celebrate diversity, are devoted to creating an inclusive environment for all staff and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application.