Assistant Plant Manager

Alliance Group; Invercargill City; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food processing company in Invercargill City is seeking an experienced Assistant Plant Manager to oversee operations and drive performance. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in meat processing management, demonstrating leadership and a commitment to safety. This position offers health insurance subsidies and relocation support.

Benefits

Health insurance subsidies

1 extra week of annual leave

Relocation Support

Qualifications

• 5+ years of senior management experience in meat processing or large-scale food manufacturing.
• Strong meat processing operations and production planning experience.
• Proven ability to lead change in a unionised environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations and drive performance across production and compliance.
• Facilitate team development and performance management.
• Contribute to strategic planning and long-term operational goals.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Safety commitment

Operational planning

Change management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Food Science

Job description

Overview

Alliance Group is a global leader in procuring, processing, and marketing the world’s best quality red meat products. We’re becoming a food company with world-class processing and livestock capability, and our products are enjoyed in more than 65 countries across the globe.

Alliance Group has an exciting opportunity for an experienced senior leader to join our team based at Lorneville as an Assistant Plant Manager.

The Role

You’ll be a senior member of the site management team, overseeing daily operations and driving performance across production, safety, quality, and compliance. You’ll play a key role in enabling positive change and continuous improvement.

• Core production areas (Ovine primary & secondary processing)
• Driving performance metrics like yield, throughput, and labour efficiency
• Promoting a strong safety culture and ensuring regulatory compliance
• Supporting food safety and quality control processes
• Collaborating across departments including Maintenance, Engineering, HR, and QA
• Facilitating team development, engagement, and performance management
• Contributing to strategic planning and long-term operational goals

Ō pūkenga - About You

You’ll be a natural leader who builds strong relationships, communicates with clarity, and inspires high performance. You’ll also be committed to safety, quality, and developing your team. We’re looking for someone with:

• 5+ years of senior management experience in meat processing or large-scale food manufacturing
• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field such as Engineering or Food Science (preferred but not essential)
• Strong meat processing operations and production planning experience
• Experience in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement
• Proven ability to lead change in a unionised environment; strong employment relations experience is an advantage
• A calm, decisive approach in fast-paced settings

Ngā painga - what’s in it for you?

At Alliance, we take care of our people and live by our values. You’ll enjoy:

• Health insurance subsidies for you and your family
• 1 extra week of annual leave
• Relocation Support
• A chance to make a real impact in a large, complex, and future-focused plant

Ko koe pea tēnei? - Sound like your kind of role?

Do we have your interest? Do your skills and experience match what we are looking for? We would love to hear from you!

With our ongoing commitment to health and safety, you’ll undergo a pre-employment drug test as part of your application.

Applications will be assessed as they are received.