Heidi Edmiston | Site Leader | Bega
I had absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into. Who were these strange people in hair nets and white clothing? But I have never looked back.
Role
Site Leader, Chelsea, Bega Group
What I do
I lead the Chelsea Bega site that manufactures Dare Iced Coffee, Pura milk and Dairy Farmers cream. This is a 24/5 operation that has a 24/6 warehouse attached.
A typical day in my role
I get into work most days around 8am after morning exercise and coffee. I change into my uniform and get straight out into the plant to check in with leaders and operators to see how the day started, assisting with any issues that need to be taken care of.
I participate in a daily taste panel to ensure that all the products taste great for our consumers. Dare Double Espresso No Added Sugar is my favourite to taste!
I then lead a catch-up with the Team Leaders across each area, where we discuss performance and priorities for the day. I also facilitate a site meeting covering safety, quality, performance and any operational updates for the week ahead.
I try to get out on the floor as much as possible. It gives me a much clearer picture of what’s happening on site and helps me make better decisions.
Career journey
After university, where I completed a Bachelor of Applied Science, I was selected to enter the Arnott’s Biscuits graduate program at the Burwood site. I had absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into. Who were these strange people in hair nets and white clothing? But I have never looked back.
After the graduate program, I started in the quality department. About three years into my time at the Burwood site, I was relocated to the head office in Sydney in a planning role. This was the first of many moves in my career.
100 WOMEN NOMINATION
What Felicia Ioculano-Baird, DEI Manager at Bega Group, said about Heidi:
Heidi represents what is possible for women in operations and manufacturing. She has built a strong operational career over many years, progressing through frontline and technical roles into senior leadership positions within traditionally male-oriented industries. Her career journey is a powerful example of capability, resilience and ambition in environments where women have historically been under-represented.
What truly sets Heidi apart is her commitment to making operations and leadership more accessible for women of the future. Alongside her substantive leadership role, Heidi generously contributes her time and energy as Co-Chair of the Bega Group Gender Equity Network, driven by a genuine passion for creating more inclusive pathways for women across the business.
Heidi actively advocates for visibility, representation and opportunity, and is deeply committed to ensuring the next generation of women see operations and manufacturing as viable, rewarding career paths. Her leadership, authenticity and willingness to give back make her an outstanding role model and a highly deserving nominee.
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