Food Safety Quality Technician – 12‑Month Fixed‑Term

About the role

ZIWI is seeking a Food Safety Quality Technician on a 12‑month fixed‑term contract to support its Awatoto manufacturing site. Reporting to the Food Safety & Quality Lead, you will help ensure premium pet food products meet the highest standards of quality, safety and regulatory compliance while driving continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities

• Provide day‑to‑day technical and quality support to production operations.
• Conduct product checks, verify production records and ensure compliance with specifications.
• Investigate and proactively identify product and process non‑conformances, monitor GMP compliance and promote a strong food‑safety culture on the shop floor.
• Lead internal audits, site verification activities and manage the Risk Management Programme.
• Support external audits, liaise with MPI and ensure adherence to HACCP, SQF and other regulatory requirements.
• Assist with validation and verification of manufacturing processes and critical control points.
• Participate in customer complaint investigations and drive complaint‑reduction initiatives.
• Coordinate calibration of quality equipment and maintain related records.
• Develop and deliver food‑safety, GMP and quality training for operational and warehouse teams.

Required profile

• Experience working in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment, preferably in food or pet‑food production.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently while supporting cross‑functional projects.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and a proactive approach to problem solving.

Required skills

• Knowledge of HACCP, SQF and GMP standards.
• Experience with risk management programmes and internal/external audit processes.
• Ability to conduct equipment calibration and maintain accurate records.
• Familiarity with validation and verification of critical control points.
• Understanding of food‑safety regulations and liaison with regulatory bodies such as MPI.