Lead Operator - Waharoa

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

Benefits offered by this job

Training programs

Parental Leave

Birthday Leave

Family Inclusive Workplace

Job summary

GrainCorp Feeds is seeking a Lead Operator to oversee the Waharoa feed manufacturing site. You will support the Site Manager, ensuring safe and efficient daily operations, and drive improvements in safety, quality, and throughput.

The role requires operating plant equipment safely, coordinating repairs, training team members, and stepping into leadership during the Site Manager’s absence. Shift work and local community involvement are expected.

Qualifications

• Experienced operator in fast-paced production/industrial environment.
• Hold W, T, R and F endorsements and confident operating plant safely.
• Safety is a priority with high operational and quality standards.
• Strong communication skills and ability to train/support others.
• Flexible with shift work and ready for leadership responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Support the Site Manager and ensure safe, efficient day-to-day operation of the feed manufacturing site.
• Assist with site safety, quality, environmental and maintenance processes to ensure compliance and excellence.
• Train and support team members while stepping 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.

Job description

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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.