Manufacturing Manager

About the role

The Manufacturing Manager will join the Site Leadership Team at Meadow Fresh Christchurch, overseeing the performance of our dairy manufacturing plants. You will be responsible for safe, reliable and efficient production while fostering a high‑performance culture focused on accountability, continuous improvement and employee wellbeing.

Key responsibilities

• Champion a ‘Never Walk By’ safety culture, ensure compliance and drive zero‑harm outcomes.
• Lead quality assurance, maintain GMP and food‑safety standards, and drive continuous quality improvement.
• Execute the daily manufacturing plan, reduce waste, optimise resources and manage root‑cause investigations.
• Develop and mentor Production Managers and their teams, driving engagement, succession planning and wellbeing.
• Embed a continuous‑improvement mindset across the site to enhance productivity and control costs.

Required profile

• Senior manufacturing leadership experience with proven results in DIFOT, HSE, cost management and waste reduction.
• Background in dairy manufacturing is advantageous but not mandatory.
• Strong understanding of the end‑to‑end value chain and ability to identify transformation opportunities.
• Excellent stakeholder management and people‑leadership capabilities.
• Analytical mindset with a track record of driving improvement initiatives.
• Degree in a Science or Engineering‑related discipline.

Required skills

What we offer

• Competitive remuneration package.
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth within a purpose‑driven organisation.
• Collaborative, flexible and values‑led work environment.
• Long‑term career prospects in a leading New Zealand food company.