Executive Recruitment in Melbourne: Leadership that Fuels Victoria’s Food & Beverage Economy
Six weeks to your next FMCG executive or key management hire — our proven methodologies deliver results for food industry businesses across Sydney.
Specialist Executive Search in Melbourne: Connecting FMCG businesses with High-Impact Leaders
Melbourne is the engine room of Australia’s food and beverage industry, home to world-class manufacturing, thriving FMCG brands, and a skilled talent pool.
At ELR Executive, we specialise in placing senior leaders who drive performance, innovation, and scale. Whether you’re a household name or a fast-growing food start-up, we help you secure transformational executives in manufacturing, operations, supply chain, product, and commercial leadership roles.
With Melbourne playing a pivotal role in Australia’s export economy, our tailored recruitment strategies ensure your business is equipped to lead — locally and globally.
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Why Melbourne Businesses Trust ELR Executive
Melbourne’s food and beverage sector is Australia’s largest by output, with more than a third of the nation’s food manufacturing taking place in Victoria. From dairy giants and grain processors to premium beverages and plant-based disruptors, the city’s diverse ecosystem requires recruitment partners who understand operational complexity, regulatory nuance, and consumer demand.
ELR Executive delivers this with precision — combining deep industry expertise with agile search methods to help Melbourne’s food and FMCG businesses find leaders who thrive in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.
Recruitment Solutions for Melbourne’s Food, Beverage & Agribusiness Sectors
Our Services
Leveraging our 30 years of experience in executive search and recruitment for FMCG, food and beverage manufacturing, we connect Melbourne businesses with senior leaders and executives.
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 Melbourne 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:
Swift 6-Week Turnaround
Our focused and efficient approach ensures your business quickly secures the right leadership without compromising quality.
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.
100% Retention Rate
We deliver high-performing leaders who seamlessly integrate into your culture, ensuring long-term success and stability.
Complete Transparency
Our methodical communication keeps you fully informed, providing clarity and confidence throughout the process.
Why Melbourne Continues to Attract Great Executive Talent
As a global food city and leading manufacturing centre, Melbourne is a magnet for ambitious professionals across operations, strategy, and innovation. At ELR Executive, we work with FMCG employers to develop EVP strategies and brand positioning that cut through a saturated recruitment market.
Australia’s Food Manufacturing Powerhouse
Manufacturing Powerhouse: Victoria’s food and beverage industry generates over $40 billion in output annually, with Melbourne as its commercial core.
Employment Engine: The sector supports more than 130,000 jobs across manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, and export — and continues to grow.
Sector Diversity: From artisan producers and ASX-listed food groups to agritech startups and logistics operators, the breadth of opportunity attracts cross-functional executive talent.
Leadership Opportunities in Growth Segments
Melbourne’s western suburbs are a national logistics stronghold, driving strong demand for executive leaders in supply chain, warehousing, and distribution strategy.
In the north, large-scale food processing and packaging facilities are expanding, creating ongoing need for senior talent in operations, food safety, and regulatory compliance.
As Victoria sharpens its focus on sustainable agriculture and circular manufacturing, demand is growing for executives who can lead ESG initiatives, automation projects, and tech-driven transformation.
Lifestyle and Liveability
Global City Status: Melbourne consistently ranks among the world’s most liveable cities, attracting domestic and international executive talent.
Education and Culture: World-class universities, culinary scenes, and vibrant arts contribute to a highly desirable relocation offer.
Connectivity:
With access to regional food zones, national distribution networks, and international export markets, Melbourne offers strategic advantage for senior leaders.
Why ELR Executive Is Melbourne’s First Choice for Executive Search
What Sets ELR Executive Apart in the Melbourne Market?
Our clients choose us because we understand what leadership looks like on the factory floor, in the boardroom, and across complex supply chains. We combine operational understanding with deep search capability to deliver:
Proven executive candidates with measurable results.
Tailored search processes designed to suit fast-paced, margin-sensitive businesses.
National reach with a focus on the unique dynamics of Victoria’s food sector.
How We Solve Melbourne’s Executive Talent Challenges
Melbourne’s labour market is highly competitive — with talent shortages in technical, commercial, and senior operational roles.
Proactive Talent Mapping: We identify leaders long before they start looking.
Executive EVP Positioning: We help brands define and communicate what makes their opportunity compelling.
Relocation Support: We assist businesses in attracting candidates willing to move from other states or regions.
Which Roles & Sectors We Cover in Melbourne
We recruit executive talent across:
High-Volume Food Manufacturing: Including dairy, bakery, protein, and frozen goods.
Advanced Beverage Production: From large-scale bottling to boutique craft operations.
Cold Chain & Distribution: Key for chilled goods, ecommerce fulfilment, and time-sensitive product lines.
Functional & Nutritional Products: Including vitamins, health snacks, supplements, and wellness beverages.
Sustainable Agribusiness: Supporting ESG-driven production and regenerative farming initiatives.
What support does ELR Executive offer beyond recruitment?
Our work doesn’t stop with a placement. ELR Executive supports Melbourne-based clients with a suite of ongoing services designed to strengthen business capability.
Onboarding & Retention Strategy: Helping new executives hit the ground running and build trust early.
Market Intelligence & Salary Trends: We provide ongoing insights into the local market, including competitor movements and salary benchmarking.
Future-Focused Workforce Planning: From succession planning to capability audits, we help you think and plan ahead.
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.
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
From food processing recruitment to beverage manufacturing leadership, we deliver tailored solutions that connect Bundaberg businesses with leaders who drive results.