Production Manager

About the Company

George Weston Foods (NZ) Limited (GWF) stands as a key player in the FMCG food manufacturing industry in Australia and New Zealand, employing over 6,500 individuals across 60 locations. Their brands in New Zealand include well-known names such as Tip Top Bakery, Ploughmans, Bürgen, Golden, Big Ben Pies, Dad's Pies, and ABES Bagels.

At ABES Bagels, commitment to delivering outstanding products is matched by a workplace culture emphasizing safety, teamwork, innovation, and continuous advancement.

Role Overview

We seek a seasoned Production Manager to join the ABES Bagels team at the St Johns bakery in Auckland on a permanent, full-time basis (40 hours weekly) with occasional weekend flexibility. This essential leadership role demands management of all production processes, assuring product excellence, food safety, efficient operations, and strong team performance. The role involves steering production staff, propelling improvements, and collaborating across departments to satisfy business goals and customer needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct daily production operations ensuring safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
• Plan and schedule production work, allocating resources to meet production objectives.
• Lead, mentor, and motivate the production team to build a proactive and high-achieving workforce.
• Maintain adherence to food safety, hygiene, quality, and GMP standards.
• Champion health and safety practices fostering a strong safety culture across the site.
• Track production metrics, analyze performance data, and execute corrective measures when needed.
• Identify continuous improvement initiatives to elevate productivity and minimize waste.
• Oversee production costs and contribute to budget management.
• Coordinate with maintenance groups to enhance equipment uptime and reliability.
• Work closely with Supply Chain, Quality, Maintenance, and Leadership to fulfill customer and operational demands.

Candidate Profile

• Proven background in production management or equivalent manufacturing leadership roles.
• Experience in food manufacturing, bakeries, or FMCG sectors strongly preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of food safety protocols, quality assurance, and manufacturing procedures.
• Competence in leading and developing teams.
• Skilled in production planning, scheduling, and efficient resource usage.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Committed to continuous improvement and operational efficiency.
• Working knowledge of health and safety laws and safe workplace methods.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Familiarity with production management software and reporting tools is an advantage.
• Relevant qualifications in food manufacturing, operations or production are beneficial.

Benefits & Perks

• Attractive remuneration package.
• Leadership role in an established and expanding FMCG company.
• Opportunities for career progression within the George Weston Foods Group.
• Supportive, team-oriented working atmosphere.
• Employee product allowances and complimentary bagels.
• Access to Employee Assistance Program for wellbeing support.
• Meaningful influence on production outcomes, team growth, and workplace culture.

Additional Information

Applicants must be New Zealand Citizens or hold Residence Class Visas.

The recruitment process includes potential pre-employment screening such as criminal background checks and drug and alcohol testing.

Applications will be considered promptly upon receipt and may close early if the vacancy is filled. Early application is advised.

Beware of fraudulent job offers claiming to be from George Weston Foods. Legitimate recruitment will always follow formal procedures and never request payment or sensitive information through unsolicited communication. Official correspondence only arrives via authorized company channels.