Machine Operator | Production Operator

Alpha Recruitment; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 45,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Afternoon shift allowance

Ongoing training and development

Career progression potential

Job summary

Canary Enterprises Ltd in Hamilton, New Zealand, is seeking motivated Operators to join their dairy manufacturing team. Roles are full-time, Monday to Friday, with morning and afternoon shifts and an afternoon shift allowance.

The company emphasizes teamwork, ongoing training and a pathway to long-term careers in global dairy markets. Ideal candidates have machine operating or manufacturing experience, strong mechanical aptitude, a focus on quality and food safety, good communication, and the

Qualifications

• Machine operating or manufacturing experience.
• Good mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Strong focus on quality and food safety.
• Strong communication skills and a team-first attitude.
• Physical fitness, including lifting up to 25kg regularly.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor production machinery.
• Set up and adjust manufacturing equipment.
• Prepare ingredients, packaging and production materials.
• Fill, mix, pack and stack products.
• Monitor product quality throughout production.
• Complete production records and documentation.
• Clean equipment and maintain housekeeping standards.
• Assist with machine changeovers.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Skills

Machine operating experience

Mechanical aptitude

Teamwork

Quality and food safety

Physical fitness

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Alpha Recruitment – Hamilton, North Island

Te Rapa, Hamilton | Permanent Opportunity | Full Time

Please note these roles will not suit part-time or holiday job seekers. Applicants will need citizenship, residency or a valid permit to work in New Zealand to be considered.

Canary Enterprises Ltd has established a unique method of producing butter products using grass fed, premium New Zealand butter which you have to agree, is the best butter in the world! Along the way they have continued to have an unrelenting focus on their customers' needs which has resulted in a broad range of butter products being exported to a wide range of countries around the globe.

We're looking for motivated Operators to join their manufacturing team.

Why You'll Love This Role

• Full-time Monday to Friday hours (6am – 2:30pm and 2:30pm – 11pm – afternoon shift allowance)
• Supportive and welcoming team environment
• Ongoing training and development
• Opportunity to build a long-term career in food manufacturing
• Work for a company producing premium New Zealand dairy products for global markets

What You’ll Be Doing

• Operating and monitoring production machinery
• Setting up and adjusting manufacturing equipment
• Preparing ingredients, packaging and production materials
• Filling, mixing, packing and stacking products
• Monitoring product quality throughout the production process
• Completing production records and documentation
• Cleaning equipment and maintaining excellent housekeeping standards
• Assisting with machine changeovers
• Identifying opportunities for continuous improvement
• Working safely and collaboratively to achieve daily production targets

We're Looking For

We're looking for people with strong personal values and a genuine work ethic. People who turn up every day, take pride in doing a good day's work, support their teammates, follows through on their commitments, and consistently do the right thing—even when no one is watching.

You’ll also have:

• Machine operating or manufacturing experience
• Good mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills
• A strong focus on quality and food safety
• Strong communication skills and a team-first attitude
• Physical fitness, including lifting up to 25kg on a regular basis

What Success Looks Like

You’ll take pride in producing quality products, working safely, supporting your teammates and helping the business deliver premium products to customers around the world. You’ll bring a positive attitude, embrace continuous improvement, be a clear communicator and consistently contribute to a culture of quality, accountability and respect.

As part of our recruitment and selection criteria, applicants will be required to provide favourable reference checks from two recent supervisors, undergo pre-employment medical, drug and alcohol testing and clear Ministry of Justice criminal history checks.