An established New Zealand food manufacturing business is seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead operations within a high-volume ice cream manufacturing environment.
This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for the day-to-day management of production operations across safety, quality, performance, people leadership and continuous improvement. The successful candidate will play a key role in driving operational efficiency while maintaining the highest standards of product quality, compliance and team culture.
About the role Reporting to the Site Operations Manager, you will lead a production function focused on delivering strong operational outcomes across output, yields, cost control, safety and quality.
You will be responsible for:
- Leading daily production operations across processing, filling and packing
- Driving continuous improvement initiatives across plant performance and efficiency
- Ensuring compliance with all health, safety, quality and RMP requirements
- Managing KPIs including OEE, plan attainment, losses, giveaways and labour utilisation
- Supporting production planning and working closely with supply chain and engineering teams
- Leading, coaching and developing supervisors and production staff
- Managing plant reporting, production data accuracy and operational analysis
- Supporting capital projects, process improvement and new product initiatives
- Maintaining a strong culture of accountability, safety and performance
About you You will be an experienced manufacturing leader with a strong background in food, dairy or FMCG production environments.
You will bring:
- Proven production leadership experience within a manufacturing environment
- Strong understanding of continuous improvement and operational performance management
- Experience managing KPIs, production reporting and plant efficiencies
- A strong commitment to health, safety and quality standards
- Experience leading teams in a fast-paced production environment
- Strong communication and people leadership capability
- The ability to influence culture, performance and accountability across shifts and teams
- Sound problem-solving and decision-making skills
What’s on offer
- This is an opportunity to join a stable and growing manufacturing business with a strong operational footprint in New Zealand.
- A senior operational leadership position
- A fast-paced manufacturing environment with genuine scale
- The ability to influence plant performance and culture
- Long-term career development opportunities
- A business committed to operational excellence and continuous improvement