Processing Manager

About the Role

At Silver Fern Farms’ Te Aroha site, we seek a seasoned, people-oriented leader to join as Processing Manager. This senior operational leadership role oversees all processing activities at the site. Reporting directly to the Site Manager, you will lead teams across production, health and safety, quality assurance, compliance, and continuous improvement efforts. Your goal is to ensure consistent delivery of outstanding operational results that satisfy both business and customer expectations.

Operational expertise is important, but effective leadership is paramount. You will excel at building trust, enhancing skills, and inspiring peak performance in your teams. Recognizing that leadership requires flexibility, you'll tailor your approach to suit diverse individuals, teams, and situations. Working collaboratively with the leadership team, you will cultivate a supportive and empowering environment that challenges and motivates employees.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and nurture high-achieving teams by coaching leaders, developing their skills, and promoting a culture focused on accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Drive operational excellence by ensuring safe, efficient, and quality-focused production that meets business and customer needs.
• Champion health, safety, and regulatory compliance within production operations, fostering a strong safety-first mindset.
• Identify and implement lean management initiatives to enhance performance, address complex challenges, and support future site growth.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to synchronize operational goals, back strategic plans, and contribute as a vital site leadership team member.

Candidate Profile

You are a proven operational leader adept at extracting the best from people. Confident decision-making and adeptness in a dynamic manufacturing setting are your strengths, as is balancing competing priorities such as production, safety, quality, and workforce management. Open to new ideas and solutions-focused, you are willing to question traditional methods to drive improved results.

Your leadership style centers on empathy, adaptability, and influence. You excel at connecting with diverse teams, growing leadership capabilities, and fostering environments where people can thrive.

Qualifications and Experience

• Established leadership experience in manufacturing, processing, operations, or equivalent production fields.
• Demonstrated skills in people leadership, including coaching, developing, and motivating both leaders and team members.
• Comprehensive operational knowledge encompassing production, health and safety, quality control, and compliance.
• Proven problem-solving competence and confident decision-making, with a readiness to rethink norms aligned with Lean Management principles.
• Strong relationship-building, communication abilities, and leadership through change management.

Prior experience in the red meat sector is advantageous, though leaders from broader manufacturing, food processing, or operational backgrounds who bring innovative perspectives and a passion for people development are equally welcomed.

Why Join Silver Fern Farms?

Our purpose is to create goodness in ways that matter — through the contributions of our people, farmers, and global customers. We emphasize kindness to individuals, communities, animal welfare, and environmental stewardship. Silver Fern Farms honors diversity, equity, and inclusion, providing equal opportunities for all team members and applicants. Join us and be part of making a positive impact together.

Application Process

Applications are currently invited and assessed upon receipt. The closing date for submissions is Thursday, 27 August 2026.