Process Operator

Affco New Zealand; Eltham; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

RENCO in New Zealand is seeking a reliable Process Operator to join our manufacturing facility in Eltham. You will operate processing equipment, monitor production parameters, and help ensure safe, high‑quality enzyme-based products used in food manufacturing.

The role requires good attention to batch documentation, adherence to GMP and safety requirements, and collaboration with Quality, Maintenance and Supervisory teams. Shift work including nights or weekends may be required.

Qualifications

• Experience as Process Operator or similar.
• Familiarity with GMP, hygiene and food safety.
• Able to follow batch documentation and quality systems.
• Physically fit for a manufacturing environment.
• Willingness to learn specialised rennet and enzyme processes.
• Willingness to work in shifts including nights/weekends if required.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor production equipment per batch instructions.
• Handle raw materials and process of rennet and related products.
• Monitor critical process parameters and escalate deviations.
• Maintain accurate production, quality and traceability records.
• Perform cleaning, sanitation (CIP) and changeovers.
• Adhere to food safety, health & safety, and environmental requirements.
• Assist with basic troubleshooting and preventative maintenance.
• Collaborate with Quality, Maintenance and Supervisory teams.
• Participate in shift work as required.

Skills

GMP awareness

Quality systems

Attention to detail

Team player

Job description

Company description

RENCO is a New Zealand biotech company producing natural enzymes and has done so for more than 100 years. 100% New Zealand-owned and operated, RENCO is a proud member of the Talley’s Group, New Zealand’s leading exporter of meat, dairy, seafood, and vegetable products.

Job Description

We are seeking a reliable and detail‑focused Process Operator to join our manufacturing facility located in Eltham. This role is critical to ensuring safe, consistent, and high‑quality production of enzyme-based products used in food manufacturing. You’ll operate processing equipment, monitor production parameters, and contribute to continuous improvement in a GMP-regulated environment.

Key Responsibilities will include:

• Operate, monitor, and control production equipment in line with batch instructions and SOPs
• Carry out raw material handling, dosing, and processing of rennet and related products
• Monitor critical process parameters (temperature, pH, time, yields) and escalate deviations
• Complete accurate production, quality, and traceability records
• Perform routine cleaning, sanitation (CIP), and changeovers
• Adhere to food safety, quality, health & safety, and environmental requirements
• Assist with basic troubleshooting, preventative maintenance, and process improvements
• Work collaboratively with Quality, Maintenance, and Supervisory teams
• Participate in shift work as required (including nights or weekends if applicable)

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Process Operator, Production Operator, or Manufacturing Technician preferred.
• Understanding of GMP, hygiene, and food safety principles
• Comfortable working with procedures, batch documentation, and quality systems
• Good mechanical aptitude and attention to detail
• Physically fit and able to work in a manufacturing environment
• Strong team player with clear communication skills
• Willingness to learn specialised rennet and enzyme processes

While preferred, these are not essential, key attributes we are looking for include a positive attitude, willingness to learn and keen on getting stuck in.

Additional information

All applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand

This is a fixed term role for approx. 6 months as maternity leave cover.