Production Manager

Production Manager (Food Manufacturing)

Location: Christchurch

Join Zamora Homemade Limited

Zamora Homemade Limited is a growing New Zealand food manufacturing business specialising in the production of high-quality sausages and other premium food products.

We are currently based in Queenstown and will be relocating our manufacturing operations to Christchurch in October. We are seeking an experienced and motivated Production Manager to lead our manufacturing operations and drive operational excellence as we continue to grow.

This is a full-time permanent leadership position responsible for planning, organising, directing and controlling all manufacturing activities while ensuring production targets, food safety, quality standards and business objectives are achieved.

Key Responsibilities

As Production Manager, you will:

• Plan, organise and oversee daily manufacturing operations to meet production schedules and customer demand.
• Develop, implement and monitor production plans, manufacturing strategies and resource allocation.
• Lead, coach, supervise and develop production staff to achieve operational, quality and safety objectives.
• Monitor production output, labour utilisation, product quality, waste, downtime and operational efficiency.
• Analyse production performance and implement continuous improvement initiatives to improve productivity, reduce costs and minimise waste.
• Manage production budgets, labour costs, inventory levels and manufacturing resources.
• Ensure compliance with the Food Control Plan, New Zealand food safety legislation, quality assurance systems and company procedures.
• Maintain production records, reporting, production schedules and operational documentation.
• Promote and maintain a strong health and safety culture by identifying hazards, implementing risk controls and ensuring compliance with workplace health and safety requirements.
• Coordinate with purchasing, logistics, administration, maintenance and quality assurance teams to ensure efficient production operations.
• Participate in the planning, evaluation and implementation of improvements to manufacturing processes, equipment and production systems.
• Assist with workforce planning, recruitment, staff training and performance management within the production team.

What We're Looking For

To be successful in this role you will have:

• At least 3–5 years' experience in a food manufacturing or manufacturing environment, including supervisory or management responsibilities.
• Demonstrated experience managing production operations and leading manufacturing teams.
• Strong knowledge of production planning, manufacturing processes and operational performance management.
• A sound understanding of food safety systems, quality assurance, Food Control Plans and workplace health and safety requirements.
• Excellent leadership, organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to analyse production data, identify trends and make effective operational decisions.
• Experience implementing continuous improvement initiatives and improving manufacturing efficiency.
• Experience in food manufacturing is highly desirable.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Manufacturing, Operations Management, Food Technology, Engineering, Business Management or a related discipline is preferred. Equivalent industry experience will also be considered.

Employment Details

• Position: Full-time, Permanent
• Hours: Minimum guaranteed 30 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Additional hours may be required to meet operational requirements.
• Location: Christchurch.
• Remuneration: $35.00–$40.00 per hour depending on skills, qualifications and experience.

What We Offer

• Competitive remuneration.
• Stable full-time employment.
• Supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
• Opportunity to play a key leadership role during an exciting period of business growth and expansion.
• Professional development and career progression opportunities.
• The opportunity to work with a growing New Zealand food manufacturer committed to quality and innovation.

Apply

If you have the experience, leadership skills and passion to manage a busy food manufacturing operation, we would love to hear from you.

Please submit your CV together with a cover letter outlining your relevant experience.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain the appropriate work visa.