Cool Chain Technical Operator

T&G Global; Nelson; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

T&G Global is seeking a hands-on Cool Chain Technical Operator at our Whakatu site in New Zealand. You will monitor and optimise refrigerated and CA storage systems, ensuring fruit quality from storage to market, while supporting preventative maintenance and contractor coordination.

You will work closely with the Refrigeration Engineer, participate in on-call rosters and drive improvements in efficiency, reliability, and safety across site operations.

Qualifications

• Experience with commercial refrigeration and/or controlled atmosphere systems.
• Solid understanding of engineering and electrical principles.
• Experience managing contractors and coordinating maintenance activities.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to improvements.
• Good communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Commitment to health, safety and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and optimise fruit temperatures and CA storage conditions.
• Analyse performance trends using SCADA and other monitoring systems.
• Support maintenance and operation of refrigeration and electrical systems on site.
• Coordinate and oversee contractors to ensure safe, high-standard work.
• Assist with preventative maintenance planning and execution.
• Contribute to site-wide compliance, security, and building services.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.
• Collaborate with operational teams, suppliers, and project teams.
• Participate in on-call roster to maintain critical systems.

Skills

Education

Tertiary qualification in Refrigeration Engineering or related field

Tools

SCADA

Job description

Here at T&G Global we're passionate about growing healthier futures. Our story began 125 years ago and today our 2,000 people are located in 13 countries, where we grow, market, sell and distribute high-quality fresh produce to customers in more than 60 countries.

Our mindsets are:Do the Mahi, Be Bold, One Team and Take Good Care. Our talented team members embody these mindsets and are passionate about making a difference at T&G.

We're looking for a technically minded and proactive Cool Chain Technical Operator to help ensure our postharvest facilities operate safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards.

This is a hands-on role where you'll work closely with our Refrigeration Engineer to support the operation of refrigeration, controlled atmosphere (CA) storage, electrical systems, building services, and cool chain performance across our Whakatu site.

About the Role

As our Cool Chain Technical Operator, you'll play a key role in maintaining the quality of fruit throughout storage by monitoring and optimising cool chain systems, refrigeration equipment, and controlled atmosphere facilities.

You'll help drive preventative maintenance activities, support continuous improvement initiatives, manage contractor work, and ensure compliance with health, safety, and legislative requirements.

This role also participates in an on-call roster to help maintain critical operational systems.

What You'll Be Doing

• Monitor and optimise fruit temperatures and controlled atmosphere storage conditions.

• Analyse performance trends using SCADA and other monitoring systems.

• Support the maintenance and operation of refrigeration and electrical systems across site.

• Coordinate and oversee contractors to ensure work is completed safely and to a high standard.

• Assist with preventative maintenance planning and execution.

• Support site-wide compliance, security systems, and building services.

• Identify and implement opportunities to improve efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.

• Work closely with operational teams, suppliers, contractors, and other stakeholders.

• Contribute to engineering projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Participate in the site on-call roster.

About You

To be successful in this role, you'll bring:

• Experience working with commercial refrigeration and/or controlled atmosphere systems.

• A solid understanding of engineering and electrical principles.

• Experience managing contractors and coordinating maintenance activities.

• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to identifying improvements.

• Good communication skills and the ability to build effective working relationships.

• A commitment to health, safety, and operational excellence.

Ideally You'll Also Have

• A tertiary qualification in Refrigeration Engineering, Engineering, or a related field.

• Experience within the horticulture, food processing, cold storage, or supply chain sector.

• Project management experience or qualifications.

• Experience with process improvement and operational efficiency initiatives.

Why Join T&G?

• Be part of New Zealand's leading apple business.

• Work with industry-leading cool chain and postharvest technology.

• Join a supportive and experienced team environment.

• Opportunity to contribute to sustainability and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Diverse role with exposure to engineering, operations, projects, and technology.

If you're passionate about refrigeration systems, operational performance, and ensuring fruit quality from storage to market, we'd love to hear from you.

Proof of eligibility to work in New Zealand is required for all applicants and any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory drug test and security check.

We want T&G to be a place where everyone is accepted, respected and celebrated for who they are – regardless of our similarities or differences. It’s essential that everyone can be themselves and thrive, and that together we create a diverse and vibrant workplace.