Label Converter / Embellishment Operator

Job Description: Converting Operator – Label Production, Embellishment & Finishing

Company: Wrapt Labels
Location: 2 Kinleith Grove, Kenepuru, Porirua, New Zealand
Employment type: Full-time, permanent
Positions available: 1
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 4:00 pm to 2:30 am
Guaranteed paid hours: 40 hours per week, excluding a 30-minute unpaid meal break per shift
Salary range: NZ$65,000–$80,000 gross per annum, depending on relevant skills and experience

About Wrapt Labels

Wrapt Labels is a New Zealand-owned label manufacturer supplying high-quality labels to established brands across the wine, beer, honey, food and non-alcoholic beverage industries.

We specialise in producing quality labels that meet our customers' technical and visual requirements. Our production team works with specialist machinery and materials to deliver consistent, high-quality results while maintaining efficient manufacturing processes.

Position Overview

Wrapt Labels is seeking an experienced and technically capable converting operator to join our production team.

The position is responsible for operating, setting up and maintaining specialist label production, embellishment, converting and finishing machinery. The successful applicant will ensure that production jobs are completed to specification, meet customer quality requirements and are delivered within scheduled timeframes.

The role involves operating ABG Series 3 embellishment equipment, GM label converting machinery and slitting/rewinding equipment. Responsibilities include machine setup, tooling and material preparation, production adjustments, quality inspection, fault identification, routine maintenance and production reporting.

The position requires practical knowledge of industrial printing and finishing processes, an understanding of machinery mechanics, strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently during the evening production shift.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Machine Setup and Operation

• Set up, adjust and operate ABG Series 3 embellishment equipment to produce high-quality labels requiring specialist finishing processes.
• Set up and operate GM converting machinery and slitting/rewinding equipment.
• Prepare machinery, tooling, substrates and other production materials according to job specifications.
• Adjust machine settings and operating parameters to achieve accurate production results.
• Set up and monitor finishing processes, including die-cutting, foiling, laminating and slitting, as required by individual jobs.
• Monitor machine performance throughout production and make adjustments to maintain consistent output.
• Complete job changeovers, ensuring machinery is correctly configured for subsequent production runs.
• Identify production issues and make appropriate adjustments to maintain production quality and efficiency.

2. Technical Troubleshooting and Equipment Maintenance

• Apply mechanical knowledge to identify and investigate machinery faults and production irregularities.
• Carry out routine machine cleaning, maintenance and adjustments in accordance with operating procedures.
• Inspect tooling, machine components and operating mechanisms for wear, damage or misalignment.
• Troubleshoot issues affecting machine operation, registration, cutting accuracy, material handling and finishing quality.
• Complete authorised corrective adjustments and report faults requiring further technical support.
• Maintain production equipment and tools in a safe, clean and serviceable condition.
• Contribute to reducing machinery downtime through early identification of equipment and process issues.

3. Quality Assurance and Production Control

• Inspect labels throughout production to ensure compliance with job specifications and customer requirements.
• Check print and embellishment quality, die-cutting accuracy, finishing consistency and material condition.
• Identify, isolate and report defective or non-conforming products.
• Maintain accurate production records, quality assurance documentation and job reporting.
• Monitor material consumption, production waste and output quantities.
• Implement appropriate process adjustments to maintain quality and minimise waste.
• Ensure completed jobs meet required quality standards before being released to subsequent production or dispatch processes.

4. Production Efficiency and Coordination

• Review job instructions and production requirements before commencing work.
• Organise materials, tooling and equipment to support efficient production.
• Manage assigned production jobs to meet scheduled deadlines and output requirements.
• Communicate production progress, technical problems, material shortages and quality concerns to the relevant team members.
• Work with colleagues and supervisors to resolve production issues and maintain workflow.
• Identify opportunities to improve machinery performance, production methods and material utilisation.
• Maintain a clean, organised and efficient production work area.

5. Health and Safety

• Operate machinery in accordance with company procedures and training.
• Follow workplace health and safety requirements when operating, adjusting, cleaning and maintaining equipment.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Handle production materials and tooling safely.
• Identify and report workplace hazards, equipment faults and unsafe operating conditions.
• Ensure maintenance and adjustment work is undertaken within the operator's training and authority.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

The successful applicant must have the technical capability and practical experience necessary to perform the duties of the position.

The role requires:

• Relevant experience in industrial printing, label manufacturing, converting or finishing operations.
• Knowledge of printing, embellishment and label production processes.
• Practical experience with machinery setup, adjustments and production changeovers.
• An understanding of mechanical equipment, machine calibration and fault identification.
• The ability to identify quality defects and make appropriate production adjustments.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to interpret job specifications.
• Experience maintaining production records and monitoring material usage.
• The ability to work independently, manage competing production requirements and meet deadlines.
• A commitment to safe working practices and equipment maintenance.

A relevant printing, mechanical or manufacturing trade qualification is advantageous. Equivalent relevant industry experience may also be considered.

Experience with ABG embellishment equipment, label converting machinery, die-cutting, foiling, laminating and slitting/rewinding processes is highly desirable.

Training will be provided on Wrapt Labels' specific equipment and procedures where required.

Personal Attributes

The successful applicant will be technically minded, methodical and reliable, with a strong focus on quality and production efficiency.

They will demonstrate practical problem-solving ability, sound judgement when adjusting machinery, good communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a manufacturing team.

Employment Conditions

• Permanent, full-time employment.
• Four scheduled shifts per week, Monday to Thursday.
• Shift hours of 4:00 pm to 2:30 am, including a 30-minute unpaid meal break each shift.
• Forty guaranteed paid hours per week.
• Annual salary between NZ$65,000 and NZ$80,000 gross, depending on relevant skills and experience.
• Work based at Wrapt Labels' 2 Kinleith Grove, Kenepuru, Porirua.

What Wrapt Labels Offers

• Competitive remuneration based on skills and experience.
• Opportunities to develop specialist machinery operation and technical manufacturing skills.
• Training on company-specific machinery and production processes.
• A supportive and collaborative workplace.
• A New Zealand operated business with established customers and a commitment to quality.
• Free onsite parking, where available.

How to Apply

Applicants should provide a CV outlining their relevant qualifications, machinery experience, technical capabilities and manufacturing background.

Wrapt Labels is committed to fair and inclusive recruitment. All applicants will be assessed against the genuine requirements of the position.

Wrapt Labels – Where Quality Meets Innovation.