Extrusion Operator

Addiction Foods LLC; Te Puke; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Addiction Foods Ltd (AFNZ) in Te Puke, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, seeks an Extrusion Operator to run and monitor our pet food production lines. The role focuses on extrusion as the primary process, with involvement in batching, loading, and packing, following SOPs, GMP/HACCP, and safety requirements.

You will ensure product quality, perform in-process checks, and maintain proper records while supporting 5S and housekeeping. This is a hands-on, shift-based position on-site at our facility.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree preferred.
• Minimum 3 years extrusion experience.
• FMCG/pet food experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate start-ups, changeovers and shutdowns on extrusion lines.
• Monitor temperature, moisture, pressure, speed and weights.
• Ensure correct batch/recipe sequencing and traceability.
• Weigh ingredients and load packaging materials.
• Assist with packing, palletising and line handovers.
• Record outputs, downtime and quality checks.

Skills

Extrusion operation

Quality checks

Safety compliance

Batching & packing

Education

Engineering degree (preferred)

Tools

Forklift license

Job description

• Extrusion Technicians (Pet Food Manufacturing)
• Location: Te Puke, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand (Overseas/On-site)

Extrusion Operator

About the Job:

• Extrusion Technicians (Pet Food Manufacturing)
• Location: Te Puke, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand (Overseas/On-site)
• Employment Type: Full-time | Shift work (as rostered)

About the Role:

As an Extrusion Operator, you will operate and monitor our pet food production lines—extrusion as your primary line, with support across batching, loading, and packing. You will help producesafe, high-quality products at planned output rates by following SOPs, GMP/HACCP, and Health & Safety requirements. This role is hands‑on and focused on routine plant operation, in‑process checks, accurate records, basic equipment care, and housekeeping.

What You’ll Do:

Production Line Operation & Process Control (All Lines):

• Run routine start-ups, changeovers, operations, and shutdowns on assigned lines (extrusion primary; batching/loading/packing as trained), using SOPs and checklists.
• Monitor process parameters (e.g., temperature, moisture, pressure, speed, weights, metal detector checks) and make routine SOP‑approved adjustments within limits; elevate non‑routine changes to the Production Lead / Shift Supervisor.
• Maintain steady material flow and correct batch/recipe sequencing from raw materials through to finished goods.
• Weigh/measure and load ingredients, premixes, and packaging materials based on issued formulations, pick lists, and work orders.
• Operate batching automation and/or manual batching steps as trained, ensuring correct sequencing and traceability.
• Move raw materials, WIP, and finished goods between areas using pallet jacks or forklifts (if licensed and authorised).
• Support packing and palletising: cartons, pallet stacking, labeling, and pallet wrap to standard.
• Coordinate with Warehouse/Logistics to prevent line stoppages and support efficient changeovers (flushing/cleaning steps + documentation).

Product Quality Monitoring:

• Perform in‑process checks on shape, size, color, density, texture, coating coverage, pack seals, coding/expiry, confirming products meet standards.
• Complete inline checks (metal detector challenges, weight checks, seal integrity, code legibility) and record accurately.
• Collect samples as required and coordinate with QA; follow QA/Lead instructions for routine corrections and rework.
• Report and elevate non‑conformities, foreign matter risks, mislabeling, or abnormal readings immediately; follow segregation/hold/rework instructions.

Basic Equipment Care & Housekeeping (5S/GMP):

• Perform operator care only: cleaning, pre‑start checks, visual inspections, and simple adjustments within training scope (technical repairs handled by Maintenance).
• Complete pre‑start checks (guards, e‑stops, sensors, foreign body controls) and report issues before production.
• Maintain clean, orderly, pest‑safe areas in line with GMP/HACCP, allergen control, and 5S.
• Report equipment faults/noise/vibration promptly; assist during minor stoppages and restart as directed.

Health, Safety & Compliance:

• Follow company H&S policies and the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
• Use PPE correctly and follow LOTO, guarding, confined space, and other line‑specific safety procedures.
• Stop work for unsafe conditions and report immediately.
• Report hazards/near misses/incidents and participate in corrective/preventive actions.
• Follow food safety, hygiene, allergen, and contamination‑control procedures aligned with GMP/HACCP and customer/market requirements.

Documentation & Team Collaboration:

• Record outputs, downtime, CCP/parameter logs, metal detector checks, weight checks, cleaning records, and traceability forms accurately and on time.
• Work closely with Operators, QA, Warehouse, and Supervisors to maintain smooth handovers and meet output targets.
• Participate in shift handovers (issues, actions, holds, upcoming changeovers).

Ad hoc:

• Support other tasks as assigned to meet changing operational needs.

What We’re Looking For:

Education:

• Graduate of Engineering course preferred.

Experience:

• Experience in extrusion machines in food, pet food, or FMCG manufacturing preferred.
• Minimum 3 years extrusion experience.
• Forklift licence is an advantage (must be licensed and authorised to operate onsite).

Why Join Us:

• Be part of a growing pet food manufacturing operation in Te Puke, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand.
• Work in a safety‑and quality‑driven environment with clear SOPs and training support.
• Stable, hands‑on role with exposure across multiple production lines.

Work type AFNZ Fixed-term - Probationary (Migrant) Department MFG: Extrusion Division Manufacturing Location Addiction Foods Ltd (AFNZ)