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 a whānau 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 must have New Zealand citizenship, residency, or a valid New Zealand work visa.
We are looking for team members to join our dynamic group that prepare, process, and pack fresh vegetables and fruits according to customer orders.
Position snapshot:
- Immediate start
- Location: Cumnor Terrace, Woolston
- Permanent, full‑time role
- Roster: Sunday-Friday, 06.00 pm to 02.30 am
The Job: In this role, you will work with fresh produce (fruits and vegetables), pulling, weighing, and packing supplies, as well as assisting in stocking and other warehouse duties. Your main tasks will include:
- Picking, weighing and packing orders
- Cleaning, washing, and processing fresh produce
- Monitoring product quality before packaging by closely inspecting
- Operating machines to peel, core, slice, and dice fruits and vegetables
- Handling and restocking inventoryReceiving and storing products
- Performing some heavy lifting (up to 20 kg)
- Monitoring product quality by inspecting items before packaging
- Cleaning work areas and maintaining general housekeeping
- Strictly adhering to food safety standards and health and safety protocols
The Person: We are looking for someone who can work independently to achieve results. Our Produce department operates in a temperature‑controlled environment, so you should be comfortable in a cold setting and physically fit for some heavy lifting.
Ideal Candidate will have:
- Relevant experience in the fresh produce industry or warehousing/pick pack roles
- Previous work in a chiller and/or depot environment
- Reliable transport and flexibility with hours
- A confident, flexible attitude with attention to detail
- Prior NZ experience and knowledge of basic food ingredients
- Be physically fit and capable of heavy lifting
- Possess intermediate literacy and numeracy skills
- Current forklift license beneficial
- Be hardworking, reliable, and demonstrate good work ethics
- Have a strong understanding of health and safety requirements
- Have reliable transport and the ability to attend shifts as and when required
Eligibility
Applicants must have NZ citizenship, residency, or a valid work visa. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted via phone, text, or email.
Pre‑Employment Checks
To ensure a safe and compliant