Food Safety Quality Technician (12-Month Fixed-Term)

About ZIWI

ZIWI is dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of pets globally by producing premium pet food products formulated with ethically sourced New Zealand ingredients. As a leading New Zealand pet food exporter and a global pioneer in pet nutrition, the company is backed by private equity and operates in a fast-moving environment focused on growth, innovation, and investment in their workforce.

Guided by core values of Teamwork, Ownership, and Agility, ZIWI fosters a collaborative and proactive culture that drives high-quality outcomes for customers, partners, and pets worldwide.

Role Overview

The Food Safety Quality Technician will join the Food Safety & Quality team for a one-year contract based at the Awatoto manufacturing plant in Napier. This role supports vital food safety and quality initiatives aimed at strengthening compliance, enhancing systems, and promoting ongoing operational improvements in manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide daily technical and quality support to manufacturing operations ensuring compliance and quality standards are met.
• Conduct regular quality control checks and verify product adherence to specifications.
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of production documentation and quality records.
• Investigate and resolve product or process discrepancies, monitor Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliance, and foster a strong food safety and quality culture on the production floor.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts to upgrade quality management systems and operational efficiency while participating in cross-functional projects.
• Manage internal audits, site verification processes, and the administration of the Risk Management Programme (RMP).
• Support external audits and coordinate with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to maintain conformity with HACCP, SQF, regulatory standards, and internal policies.
• Assist with validation and verification of manufacturing processes and critical control points to assure product safety.
• Investigate customer complaints and collaborate on strategies to minimize complaint frequency.
• Oversee calibration and maintenance of quality control equipment and maintain thorough records.
• Promote adherence to health & safety, environmental, food safety, and quality standards throughout the site.
• Engage in leadership reviews and contribute to the continuous improvement of the Food Safety & Quality Management System.
• Develop and deliver training on food safety, GMP, and quality standards to operational and warehouse personnel.
• Maintain and manage the site’s HACCP and prerequisite programs.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic manufacturing setting and excels at collaboration and maintaining high standards. They possess strong organizational skills, are detail-focused, and effective at working with cross-functional teams to achieve quality objectives.

Experience in Food Safety, Quality Assurance, or Quality Control within food, pet food, or FMCG manufacturing is essential, with a solid understanding of HACCP, Risk Management Programs (RMP), and food safety systems. The candidate is a pragmatic problem solver who demonstrates technical expertise, meticulous documentation skills, and clear communication abilities. They exhibit values consistent with Teamwork, Ownership, and Agility.

Why Work at ZIWI

This position offers the chance to join a growth-oriented and innovative company with global influence. Employees benefit from mentorship by experienced leaders, a supportive working environment, and the ability to make impactful contributions through meaningful food safety and quality initiatives.

Additional Information

Applicants must hold New Zealand residency or a valid New Zealand work visa to be eligible for this position.