Food Technologist – Fixed Term

Moana New Zealand; Palmerston North; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Moana New Zealand is seeking a Food Technologist to join our Palmerston North Product Development team on a fixed-term basis. You will contribute to new product development, product improvement, and technical projects across Pāua Tuwa and Kai Ora operations.

As a proactive and organised professional with at least two years in food manufacturing, you will develop HACCP plans, ensure quality systems, and support continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Food Technology or related field and at least two years' commercial experience in food manufacturing.
• Strong interpersonal and organisational skills with ability to build cross-functional relationships.
• Ability to adapt in fast-paced environments and maintain high quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to new product development projects and factory trials.
• Develop and review HACCP plans and ensure quality systems meet requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve products, packaging, and processes.
• Assist with validation of thermal processes and record keeping.
• Manage ingredients, allergens, and Halal compliance where applicable.
• Carry out specification reviews and support QA activities.
• Drive continuous improvement across development and manufacturing.

Skills

HACCP knowledge

Quality systems

Thermal processing

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor of Technology (Food) or related

Job description

Join Moana New Zealand and help shape the future of our Wild Abalone and ready-to-eat meals operations.

Ko wai t ā tou | Who We Are

Moana New Zealand is the largest Iwi owned kaimoana and kai ora company in New Zealand. We are true guardians of the world’s most pristine and sustainably managed fisheries, with a deep sense of responsibility to our people and respect for kaimoana and kai ora. Learn more about us at moana.co.nz.

We are looking for a practical and proactive Food Technologist to join our Product Development team in Palmerston North on a fixed-term basis.

Reporting to the Product Development Team Leader, you will contribute to new product development, product improvement initiatives, and technical projects across our Pāua Tuwa and Kai Ora operations.

This is an excellent opportunity to combine hands-on food manufacturing expertise with a commitment to quality, innovation, and continuous improvement.

What You’ll Do

• Contribute to new product development projects, factory trials, and the successful commercialisation of new products.
• Develop and review HACCP plans and ensure quality systems meet regulatory and customer requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve products, packaging, and manufacturing processes.
• Assist with the validation and ongoing verification of thermal processes, including heat penetration studies and accurate record keeping.
• Manage technical requirements relating to ingredients, raw materials, allergens, and Halal compliance.
• Conduct specification reviews and support quality assurance activities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across product development and manufacturing operations.

What You’ll Bring

You will hold a Bachelor of Technology (Food) or a related tertiary qualification, along with at least two years’ commercial and technical experience within a food manufacturing or FMCG environment.

You are a proactive and well-organised professional with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships across all levels of the business.

Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, you can adapt to changing priorities while maintaining a high standard of work.

Ideally, you will have knowledge of thermal processing and validation procedures, strong systems and documentation skills, and exceptional attention to detail.

You will also be able to simplify complex information, solve problems effectively, and deliver quality outcomes within agreed timeframes.

Most importantly, you will bring curiosity, initiative, and a genuine commitment to food quality and innovation.