Aspiring Principal Leader: Transformational Education

Nztest; Canterbury; On-site; NZD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development

Ongoing training

Supportive team environment

New Zealand–owned business

Job summary

Service Foods in Christchurch is seeking an experienced Team Leader - Prepared Produce to support the Operations Leader - Produce in the day-to-day running of our branch.

You will lead the preparation, processing, and packing of fresh fruit and vegetables while ensuring food safety, quality, and productivity standards are consistently met. This hands-on role emphasises leadership, teamwork, and reliable execution of orders.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years in a Team Leader or Supervisory role.
• Experience in fresh produce, food processing, manufacturing, warehousing, or a related industry.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and quality standards.
• Good literacy, numeracy and computer skills.
• Ability to learn and use multiple systems.
• Excellent communication and people leadership skills.
• Reliable transport and the ability to commit to full-time hours.
• The physical capability to lift up to 20–25 kg.

Responsibilities

• Support the Operations Leader - Produce with the daily management of the department.
• Lead and supervise the preparation and packing teams to achieve operational targets.
• Monitor workflow, productivity, and quality standards across the department.
• Ensure customer orders are completed accurately and ready for dispatch on time.
• Assist with inventory management and stock control to minimise waste and shortages.
• Monitor product quality throughout the production process.
• Operate and oversee equipment to ensure safe and efficient use.
• Provide hands‑on support with washing, cutting, preparing, and packing fresh produce when required.
• Promote a positive team culture and support staff development.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, quality assurance, health, and safety requirements.

Skills

Team leadership

Fresh produce knowledge

Food safety knowledge

Communication skills

Computer literacy

Physical stamina

Job description

Are you passionate about leading people in a fast-paced, hands‑on environment? Do you enjoy working with fresh produce and motivating teams to deliver quality results every day?

Service Foods is looking for an experienced and proactive Team Leader - Prepared Produce to support the Operations Leader - Produce in the day-to-day running of our Christchurch branch.

This is an excellent opportunity for a natural leader who enjoys being hands‑on, driving team performance, and ensuring customers receive quality products on time.

About the Role

• Location: Cumnor Terrace, Woolston, Christchurch
• Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time
• Start Date: Immediate
• Working Days: Sunday to Friday
• Working Hours: Between 8:00am and 4:30pm (hours may vary based on operational requirements)

As part of our produce operations team, you'll help lead the preparation, processing, and packing of fresh fruit and vegetables while ensuring food safety, quality, and productivity standards are consistently met.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Operations Leader - Produce with the daily management of the department.
• Lead and supervise the preparation and packing teams to achieve operational targets.
• Monitor workflow, productivity, and quality standards across the department.
• Ensure customer orders are completed accurately and ready for dispatch on time.
• Assist with inventory management and stock control to minimise waste and shortages.
• Monitor product quality throughout the production process.
• Operate and oversee equipment to ensure safe and efficient use.
• Provide hands‑on support with washing, cutting, preparing, and packing fresh produce when required.
• Promote a positive team culture and support staff development.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, quality assurance, health, and safety requirements.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a motivated team player who enjoys leading by example and isn't afraid to roll up their sleeves when needed.

Ideally, you'll have:

• 1-2 years' experience in a Team Leader or Supervisory role.
• Experience within fresh produce, food processing, manufacturing, warehousing, or a related industry.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and quality standards.
• Good literacy, numeracy, and computer skills.
• The ability to learn and use multiple systems.
• Excellent communication and people leadership skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• A positive attitude, reliability, and strong work ethic.
• Flexibility to support operational requirements when needed.
• Reliable transport and the ability to commit to full-time hours.
• The physical capability to safely lift up to 20-25kg.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

This is a physically active role that involves:

• Working in a cold storage and food processing environment.
• Regular lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of produce.
• Repetitive tasks such as slicing, dicing, sorting, packing, and processing products.
• Prolonged periods of standing, walking, bending, reaching, and manual handling.

Applicants should be comfortable working in these conditions and able to safely perform the inherent requirements of the role.

Why Join Service Foods?

At Service Foods, we're more than a food distribution company. We're awhānau that values collaboration, resilience, inclusivity, humility, and hard work.

We offer:

• Career development and progression opportunities.
• Ongoing training and upskilling.
• A supportive and values‑driven team environment.
• The opportunity to work for a leading New Zealand‑owned business.
• A workplace where your contribution is recognised and valued.

Pre‑Employment Checks

Successful candidates will be required to complete satisfactory pre‑employment checks, including:

• Employment reference checks
• Ministry of Justice and ACC checks
• Pre‑employment drug and alcohol testing through an accredited provider

Applicants