Summary: Seeking an experienced Production Manager to drive performance, efficiency, quality, safety, and compliance in a high-volume ice cream manufacturing environment. Highlights: 1. Critical leadership role with full accountability for production performance 2. Opportunity to own and influence production outcomes 3. Drive continuous improvement and build high-performance teams Production Manager – Ice Cream Manufacturing We are partnering with a leading New Zealand food manufacturing business to appoint an experienced Production Manager into a key site leadership role within their Auckland operation. This is a critical leadership position with full accountability for production performance across a high volume, fast paced manufacturing environment. You will play a central role in driving output, efficiency, quality, safety and compliance while strengthening capability across people, systems and operational performance. This is a role for a proven manufacturing leader who wants genuine ownership of production outcomes and the ability to directly influence site performance. The Opportunity You will take end to end responsibility for production operations across the ice cream manufacturing facility, ensuring consistent delivery against output, quality, cost and efficiency targets. Working closely with the Site Operations Manager and wider leadership team, you will contribute to operational planning, performance improvement, budgeting input and capital initiatives. This is a hands on leadership role where you will be expected to lead from the front while embedding structure, discipline and continuous improvement across the production function. Key Accountabilities * Full ownership of daily production operations, ensuring output, efficiency and quality targets are achieved (OEE, yields, losses, plan attainment) * Lead Health, Safety, Risk, and Food Safety compliance (HACCP / RMP), ensuring a strong safety first culture across all shifts * Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, improve yield and enhance operational performance * Lead, develop, and coach supervisors and frontline production teams to build a high performance culture * Oversee production planning, labour utilisation and alignment with supply chain and engineering requirements * Ensure accurate, timely reporting of production KPIs and operational performance * Support financial performance through cost control, efficiency improvements and waste reduction initiatives * Collaborate closely with maintenance, engineering, QA, supply chain and technical teams to optimise plant performance About You We are seeking a confident and capable production leader with: * Minimum 5+ years’ leadership experience in FMCG, food manufacturing, dairy, or similar high volume production environments * Strong understanding of production systems, quality standards and operational KPIs * Proven ability to lead teams in structured, performance driven environments * Strong experience with health & safety, food safety and compliance systems * Continuous improvement mindset with exposure to Lean manufacturing principles * Strong problem solving ability with a calm, solutions focused leadership style * High level of accountability, ownership and operational discipline What's On Offer * Permanent, full time role within a well established FMCG manufacturing site in East Tamaki * 40 hour working week within a structured production environment * Strong site leadership support and collaborative working culture * Genuine opportunity to own and influence production performance outcomes * Competitive remuneration aligned to experience * Stable, long term career opportunity within a respected NZ food manufacturer * Free on site parking Apply Now If you are an experienced production leader seeking a role where you can take genuine ownership of site performance and deliver meaningful operational impact, we welcome your application or invite you to contact us for a confidential discussion. Please submit your Expression of Interest, including your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applicants must currently be based in New Zealand and hold a valid work visa or residency. We are reviewing applications daily as they are received and encourage early submission.
Trademe · HR
Trademe · HR
