Hands-On Process Development Technologist – Food

Hellers NZ's Butcher; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Paid birthday leave

Employee benefits

Hands-on role with influence

Job summary

Hellers is seeking a hands-on specialist to join our Kaiapoi site, working with production teams to translate ideas into practical improvements on the factory floor. You’ll support trials from formulation through scale‑up and focus on efficiency, waste reduction and cost savings.

The role requires 5+ years in FMCG/food manufacturing, meat or small goods experience, and a degree in Food Science or related. Strong Excel/data analysis and collaboration on cross-functional projects are essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in FMCG or food manufacturing.
• Meat or small goods experience is advantageous.
• Experience in food technology or product development strongly preferred, otherwise process engineering or related field.

Responsibilities

• Support product development, reformulation and scale-up trials from bench-top to production.
• Trial and optimise manufacturing processes, equipment settings and production methods.
• Collect and analyse process data using Excel to assess trial performance and identify opportunities.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities through reformulation, waste reduction and process improvements.
• Work alongside production teams to troubleshoot issues and improve line performance.
• Conduct sensory and quality checks against product specifications.
• Support continuous improvement projects across manufacturing.
• Liaise with Product Development, QA and Engineering on trials and process improvements.
• Maintain accurate trial records, batch sheets, protocols and SOPs.
• Support shelf-life, stability and packaging compatibility studies as required.

Skills

Analytical skills

Hands-on

Data analysis

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Degree in Food Science/related

Tools

Excel

Job description

Hellers is seeking a hands-on specialist to join our Kaiapoi site, working with production teams to translate ideas into practical improvements on the factory floor. You’ll support trials from formulation through scale‑up and focus on efficiency, waste reduction and cost savings.

The role requires 5+ years in FMCG/food manufacturing, meat or small goods experience, and a degree in Food Science or related. Strong Excel/data analysis and collaboration on cross-functional projects are essential.