Executive Recruitment in Sydney: Delivering Leaders for Australia's FMCG Capital

Six weeks to your next FMCG executive or key management hire — our proven methodologies deliver results for food industry businesses across Sydney.

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Strategic Recruitment in Sydney: High-Impact Leadership for Food & Beverage Growth

Sydney sits at the heart of Australia’s FMCG and food manufacturing economy — a dynamic, fast-moving market where competition for top executive talent is fierce.

At ELR Executive, we specialise in connecting Sydney-based organisations with high-performing leaders who bring agility, commercial acumen, and operational excellence. From multinationals and fast-scaling food brands to innovative beverage and agribusiness ventures, our executive search services are designed to help businesses lead, scale, and outperform.

Whether you need a Head of Supply Chain, COO, GM of Manufacturing, or an Executive Chef for a premium brand launch, we deliver tailored talent solutions that drive performance in the country’s most competitive market.

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Why ELR Executive is Sydney’s Trusted Executive Search Partner

As Australia’s largest metro market, Sydney requires a recruitment partner who understands the complexities of scale, speed, and transformation in high-growth environments. ELR Executive is embedded in Sydney’s FMCG and food production landscape, with a strong track record placing senior talent across packaged goods, chilled and frozen food, beverages, nutraceuticals, and QSR.

With industry insight, national networks, and a refined search methodology, we help Sydney’s employers secure the calibre of leadership needed to remain competitive — in boardrooms, factories, and across supply chains.

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Specialist Recruitment for Sydney’s FMCG, Food Manufacturing & Beverage Sectors

Our Services

Leveraging our 30 years of experience in executive search and recruitment for FMCG, food and beverage manufacturing, we connect businesses with senior leaders and executives across Sydney.

Executive Search

Find the right C-suite, executive leaders, and NED who align with your FMCG business goals and vision.

Retained Recruitment

Supporting senior management and department head roles through our dedicated retained recruitment model.

Interim Executive

Fill crucial leadership gaps with experienced interim executives to ensure continuity and stability.

Executive Assessment

Our assessment services use detailed psychometric and behavioural evaluations to ensure you find the right skills and cultural fit within or outside your organisation. 

Talent Mapping 

Our talent mapping services provide you with critical insights into the market, including competitor intelligence and identification of key players. 

Driving Results Throughout Sydney with Our Proven Search Methodology

With a 98% placement rate and a 100% stick rate, we consistently set industry benchmarks for excellence, exceeding client expectations with every recruitment assignment. Here’s how: 

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Swift 6-Week Turnaround

Our focused and efficient approach ensures your business quickly secures the right leadership without compromising quality.

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30 Years of Industry Expertise

With decades of hands-on experience in the FMCG sector, we design tailored strategies that align perfectly with your business goals.

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100% Retention Rate

We deliver high-performing leaders who seamlessly integrate into your culture, ensuring long-term success and stability.

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Complete Transparency

Our methodical communication keeps you fully informed, providing clarity and confidence throughout the process.

Time to Drive Results For Your Business

Why Sydney’s FMCG Ecosystem Is A Talent Magnet for the Ambitious

Sydney is a magnet for high-performing executive talent due to its scale, infrastructure, and global relevance. At ELR Executive, we work with FMCG employers to develop EVP strategies and brand positioning that cut through a saturated recruitment market.

Australia’s FMCG Engine Room

Economic Powerhouse: NSW accounts for over 30% of Australia’s food and beverage manufacturing output, with Sydney leading the charge in product development, logistics, and export.

Strong Job Market: Over 61,000 people work in food manufacturing across NSW, and Sydney continues to attract high-performing professionals in marketing, operations, and innovation.

Diversified Sector: From plant-based brands and meal kit disruptors to legacy dairy, protein and beverage companies, Sydney’s food industry is as diverse as it is ambitious.

Leadership Opportunities in Growth Segments

Sydney is a major hub in national and global supply chains, with key port access, warehousing in Western Sydney, and strong logistics infrastructure driving demand for senior leaders in procurement, sustainability, and supply chain.


The city is also a centre for health and wellness brands, with rapid growth in functional foods, vitamins, and nutraceuticals creating leadership roles in R&D and product development.


Meanwhile, the rise of D2C and QSR models is fuelling demand for operational leaders across digital, ecommerce, and fulfilment.

While Sydney remains Australia’s most competitive executive market, lifestyle is still a strong drawcard.

Lifestyle-Driven Relocation Still Matters

Access to Culture & Amenities: World-class dining, entertainment, and education make it an attractive city for relocating executives and their families.

Global Connectivity: As a base for APAC leadership roles, Sydney appeals to international talent with strong relocation incentives.

Innovation Ecosystem:

Sydney’s food innovation hubs, sustainability clusters, and industry accelerators offer career pathways beyond traditional leadership roles.

WHY Choose ELR Executive: Sydney’s Specialist FMCG Executive RECRUITmeNT Firm?

  • What Sets ELR Executive Apart in Sydney’s Talent Market?

    We operate at the intersection of industry expertise and executive search precision. 


    With 20+ years of recruitment in FMCG and manufacturing, ELR Executive offers Sydney clients a unique advantage:


    In-depth understanding of food production, regulatory landscapes, and operational pressures.


    Access to a national and international network of high-performing, passive talent.


    Speed and accuracy — our placements are made in half the time of typical executive search cycles.

  • How We Address Sydney’s Unique Recruitment Pressures

    In a competitive metro environment like Sydney, success requires more than posting a job — it takes a nuanced, targeted approach.


    Talent Mapping: Identify and engage high-potential leaders before they hit the open market.


    Employer Positioning: We help brands tell a compelling story that attracts and converts top candidates.


    Relocation Strategy: For critical roles, we support businesses in attracting inter-state or international executives.


    Assist companies in designing attractive executive value propositions (EVPs) that resonate with top talent seeking both professional growth and lifestyle benefits.

  • Which Sectors in Sydney Benefit from Our Expertise?

    We recruit senior leaders across:


    Food Manufacturing & Processing: From plant-based innovation to premium protein brands.


    Beverage & Alcohol: Including non-alcoholic disruptors, craft distilleries, and major beverage manufacturers.


    Health & Functional Nutrition: From vitamins and supplements to active lifestyle and gut health.


    Quick-Service Retail & Foodservice: Supporting growth in operations, franchising, and procurement.


    Supply Chain & Logistics: Helping businesses keep pace with rising customer demand and expectations.


    Agritech and Innovation: Partnering with emerging businesses driving technological change in agriculture.

  • What support does ELR Executive offer beyond recruitment?

    Our partnership with clients extends beyond placement, including:


    Onboarding and Retention Strategy Design: Helping new hires settle in and succeed.


    Labour Market Insights: Providing regular updates on industry trends, salary benchmarks, and talent movement.


    Strategic Workforce Planning: Helping businesses plan for future leadership needs to drive sustained success.

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Insights for FMCG & Food & Beverage

Discover exclusive insights from top FMCG and Food & Beverage leaders with our latest report, from industry trends and challenges to strategies that will shape the industry in the year ahead. 

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Expertise Across Every Role and Sector across FMCG

Specialising in C-suite, NED, executive management, heads of department, and senior management roles tailored to various functional areas and categories.

Functional Areas


Finance


Human Resources


Marketing


Procurement


Operations


Retail Operations


Sales


Supply Chain & Logistics


Technical 


Categories


Bakery & confectionery 


Beers & spirits


Beverage manufacturing 


Dairy 


Food manufacturing 


Fruit & vegetable processing 


Health & wellness 


Meat & poultry processing


Pet Food Manufacturing


Pharmacy, vitamins & supplements


Retail operations


Wine


Case Study: Supporting Expansion with a New General Manager

Challenge

With sales declining and an urgent need to expand into new markets, a global luxury home decor manufacturer with over 100 employees required more than just a manager—they needed a visionary leader to revitalise operations and drive growth.

Our Approach

With our deep industry expertise, we conducted a targeted search, tapping into our extensive network to find a candidate who embodied the company’s values and vision. Our strategic approach ensured we presented a leader ready to drive growth and innovation.

Outcome

The selected General Manager is still with the company, playing a pivotal role in their successful expansion and ongoing growth.

Challenge

With sales declining and an urgent need to expand into new markets, a global luxury home decor manufacturer with over 100 employees required more than just a manager—they needed a visionary leader to revitalise operations and drive growth.

Our Approach

With our deep industry expertise, we conducted a targeted search, tapping into our extensive network to find a candidate who embodied the company’s values and vision. Our strategic approach ensured we presented a leader ready to drive growth and innovation.

Outcome

The selected General Manager is still with the company, playing a pivotal role in their successful expansion and ongoing growth.

From food processing recruitment to beverage manufacturing leadership, we deliver tailored solutions that connect Bundaberg businesses with leaders who drive results.