Lead Operator

GrainCorp; Waharoa; On-site; NZD 50,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ongoing training and safety programs

Paid Parental Leave and Birthday Leave

Family Inclusive Workplace

Job summary

GrainCorp Feeds, based in Hamilton NZ, is seeking a Lead Operator to join our Waharoa site and support the Site Manager in safe, efficient production.

You will manage loading, weighing, blending, and silo activities while upholding safety and quality standards. Train and support team members and lead when the Site Manager is away, coordinating repairs and contractor work to maintain smooth operations.

Qualifications

• Experience as an operator in a fast-paced production or industrial environment.
• Hold W, T, R and F endorsements and be confident operating plant and equipment safely.
• Safety and quality standards are a priority; maintain high operational standards.
• Strong problem solving and autonomous decision-making on the job.
• Good communication and willingness to train and support others on site.

Responsibilities

• Support site operations including truck loading and unloading, weighbridge, blender and silo activities.
• Assist with site safety, quality, environmental and maintenance processes to ensure compliance.
• Train and support team members and step into leadership when the Site Manager is absent.
• Coordinate equipment repairs and contractor activities, ensuring safe work practices.
• Deliver exceptional customer service and drive continuous improvement across site operations.

Skills

Fast-paced environment experience

Strong communication skills

Problem solving

Autonomous work

Tools

Plant and equipment operation

Safety procedures

Job description

Role: Lead Operator - Feeds NZ
Location: Waharoa
Salary: $36 - $41 per hour

GrainCorp Feeds is a national animal feed business, based in Hamilton NZ, dealing directly with corporate and farming customers across New Zealand.

GrainCorp Feeds offers a comprehensive range of high-quality liquid and dry dairy and calf feeds suitable for a variety of feeding systems and developed to improve on-farm production, reproduction, performance and profitability.

As a Lead Operator, you'll play a key role in supporting the Site Manager and ensuring the safe, efficient day-to-day operation of our feed manufacturing site. This role contributes by:

• Supporting site operations including truck loading and unloading, weighbridge, blender and silo activities.
• Assisting with site safety, quality, environmental and maintenance processes to ensure compliance and operational excellence.
• Training and supporting team members while stepping into leadership responsibilities when the Site Manager is absent.
• Coordinating equipment repairs and contractor activities, ensuring safe work practices are maintained at all times.
• Delivering exceptional customer service and helping drive continuous improvement across site operations.

About You:

• You're an experienced operator who enjoys working in a fast-paced production or industrial environment.
• You hold the appropriate W, T, R and F endorsements and are confident operating plant and equipment safely.
• Safety is a priority for you, and you take pride in maintaining high operational and quality standards.
• You're a natural problem solver who can work autonomously and make sound decisions on the job.
• You have strong communication skills and enjoy helping train and support others across the site team.
• You're flexible with shift work, reliable, and ready to take on additional responsibilities to support site operations and leadership

Additional information:

• Alternating shifts: 5:00am - 3:30pm and 8:00am - 6:30pm
• Saturday work required when rostered on day shift
• We're ideally looking for someone who lives locally and can be part of the community we support

What you'll get:

• Ongoing training and safety programs
• Paid Parental Leave and Birthday Leave
• We're also a Family Inclusive Workplace accredited employer, committed to supporting you both on and off the job.

Progressed candidates will be required to provide proof of working rights and complete a background check.