Production Operator

Role overview

This position is with a global ingredients business operating from Mount Maunganui, New Zealand. The site produces functional fruit ingredients for snack brands and is part of a wider international organisation focused on flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, and biosciences. The opportunity is for an onsite Production Operator to join a small, friendly team and contribute to a clean, safe, high-performing manufacturing environment.

Due to increased production needs, the business is looking for permanent team members who can support plant operations and grow within the factory over time.

Key duties

• Carry out quality checks and help with equipment calibration.
• Safely run a range of process machinery and production equipment.
• Operate automated packing lines and handle general packing tasks.
• Use a forklift when required for moving materials.
• Measure, load, blend, and prepare ingredients for production.
• Create labels and complete basic computer-based work.
• Assist the Shift Manager with day-to-day operational tasks tied to the role.

What the employer is looking for

The ideal candidate will have strong accuracy and documentation habits, work well with others, and bring a positive, practical attitude to daily work. The role suits someone who is energetic, physically capable, proactive, and interested in building a long-term future in manufacturing. Experience in food manufacturing, particularly plant-based production, would be an advantage.

Working pattern and pay

This is a shift-based position. Each shift runs for 12 hours, with the plant operating from 6pm Sunday through to 6pm Friday. The current rotation includes 2 weeks on night shift and 3 weeks on day shift, with scheduled days off during the week on day-shift weeks.

Day shift hours are 6am to 6pm and night shift hours are 6pm to 6am. A night-shift allowance of $5.00 per hour applies in addition to the base rate. The starting pay is $28.30 per hour, and pay progression is available as a Packing Operator with opportunities to move into other factory roles.

Possible progression pathways include Quality Control Operator, Loading Operator, and Process Operator. Advancement and starting rates depend on prior experience in manufacturing environments.

Health, safety, and other conditions

A pre-employment medical assessment and drug screening are required as part of the company’s health and safety standards. The role also comes with conditions of employment that apply to suitable candidates.

Workplace benefits

The employer offers a clean and safe workplace along with secure on-site parking for staff. The organisation also promotes an inclusive culture where people are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work.

About the organisation

The business is a worldwide leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, serving customers with a broad range of natural solutions. It invests in sustainable innovation and values diversity across ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, veteran status, religion, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and disability.

Additional information

Applicants are invited to consider the role if it aligns with their interests and skills. The company highlights that uniqueness contributes to its success and supports a workplace built on inclusion and respect.