Manufacturing Manager

About Arxada

Arxada is a global specialty chemicals company dedicated to addressing complex preservation challenges through advanced scientific solutions. With over a century of experience, the company focuses on developing sustainable methods that protect human health, extend the lifespan of essential infrastructure, and reduce environmental impact both for Arxada and its customers.

Sustainability is a core priority, with substantial investments aimed at decreasing the company's environmental footprint and aiding customers in adapting to ongoing environmental and social changes by delivering cleaner and greener innovations.

Role Overview

The Manufacturing Manager for Oceania, based in New Plymouth, New Zealand, holds responsibility for providing strategic leadership and operational oversight across multiple manufacturing sites including New Plymouth, Auckland, Trentham, and Penang. This key leadership position is tasked with steering regional operations strategy consistent with Arxada's global goals, ensuring superior results in safety, quality, service, and cost management.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the manufacturing strategy for Oceania aligned with global operational priorities and long-term business growth.
• Enhance operational excellence by embedding Lean methodologies, fostering continuous improvement, and managing performance effectively across all sites.
• Oversee full manufacturing lifecycle, logistics, and distribution processes to ensure safe, compliant, and cost-efficient production operations.
• Manage financial and operational outcomes including budget adherence, cost control, and capital expenditure planning to optimize asset utilization.
• Promote a robust Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) culture by leading risk reduction, compliance efforts, and accountability initiatives.
• Build and nurture high-performance teams that emphasize collaboration, ownership, and ongoing professional development.
• Serve as a strategic partner working cross-functionally with commercial, technical, and global teams to foster innovation, enhance procedures, and fulfill customer requirements.

Candidate Profile

• Possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Chemistry, or related field.
• Have 5 to 10 years of leadership experience within industrial chemical manufacturing or a closely related sector.
• Proven track record managing multi-site operations and implementing operational excellence practices such as Lean and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrate strong business and financial insight, capable of managing budgets, cost frameworks, and capital investments effectively.
• Comprehensive knowledge of manufacturing processes, EHS guidelines, and regulatory standards including Major Hazard Facility (MHF) requirements.
• Skilled at influencing stakeholders and driving change within regional or global matrix structures.
• Excellent communication skills with proficiency in SAP and Microsoft Office applications.

Additional Company Information

Arxada operates mainly in two sectors: Microbial Control Solutions (MCS), protecting people and the environment from microbial threats across various business domains such as Professional Hygiene and Paints & Coatings; and Nutrition, Care & Environmental (NCE), supplying materials for composites, nutrition products, chemicals, and high-performance applications.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Arxada is an equal opportunity employer that evaluates all qualified candidates regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability status, veteran status, or any other legally protected trait.