Manufacturing Manager

JobSpace; New Plymouth; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Arxada is seeking a Manufacturing Manager for Oceania to provide strategic leadership across its multi-site manufacturing network in New Plymouth, Auckland, Trentham, and Penang. You will drive Lean transformation, operational excellence, and safe, compliant production while partnering with regional and global stakeholders.

The role focuses on cost optimization, CAPEX planning, and building high‑performing teams, with accountability for delivering strong safety, quality, service and cost

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of leadership experience in industrial chemical manufacturing or similar
• Experience leading multi-site operations and driving operational excellence (Lean, CI)
• Strong commercial and financial acumen with budgeting and CAPEX experience
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, EHS standards, and regulatory requirements
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders in a regional/global matrix organization
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency with SAP and Office tools

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the Oceania manufacturing strategy aligned with global priorities
• Drive operational excellence across all sites with Lean, CI, and performance management
• Lead end-to-end manufacturing, logistics and distribution safely and cost-effectively
• Own financial and operational performance including budget and CAPEX planning
• Foster an proactive EHS culture and embed accountability at all levels
• Build high‑performing teams and coach leadership development
• Collaborate cross-functionally with commercial, technical, and global teams to drive innovation and meet customer expectations

Skills

Leadership

Lean thinking

Strategic planning

Change management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering or related

Chemistry or related discipline

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

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.

Arxada is a global specialty chemicals business that's committed to solving the world's toughest preservation challenges through better science. We aim to help our customers develop more sustainable solutions that protect and maintain the health and wellbeing of people and extend the life of vital infrastructure while working to reduce our and our customers' ecological footprint.

Sustainable preservation is one of our top priorities. We are making significant strategic investments that will not only decrease our own environmental footprint but also help customers adapt to long-term environmental and social change through the development of cleaner, greener solutions.

As Manufacturing Manager for Oceania, you will provide strategic leadership and operational direction across our multi-site manufacturing network. This role is pivotal in shaping and executing the regional operations strategy, ensuring alignment with Arxada's global priorities while delivering best-in-class performance across safety, quality, service, and cost.

You will lead end-to-end manufacturing, logistics, and distribution activities across New Plymouth, Auckland, Trentham, and Penang, driving operational excellence through Lean transformation, disciplined execution, and continuous improvement. Acting as a key strategic partner to regional and global stakeholders, you will enable sustainable growth by strengthening capabilities, optimizing assets, and building high-performing teams.

This is a leadership role for a results-driven professional who thrives on setting direction, driving change, and delivering measurable impact in a complex manufacturing environment.

Essential Job Functions:

• Define and execute the Oceania manufacturing strategy, ensuring alignment with global operations priorities and long-term business growth objectives
• Drive operational excellence across all sites, embedding Lean principles, continuous improvement, and performance management frameworks to maximize efficiency and reliability
• Lead end-to-end manufacturing and supply chain operations, ensuring safe, compliant, and cost-effective production, logistics, and distribution
• Own financial and operational performance, including cost optimization, budget delivery, and strategic CAPEX planning to enhance asset performance
• Champion a proactive EHS culture, leading initiatives to reduce risk, strengthen compliance, and embed accountability at every level of the organization
• Build and develop high-performing teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, ownership, and continuous learning through coaching and leadership development
• Act as a strategic business partner, collaborating cross-functionally with commercial, technical, and global teams to drive innovation, improve processes, and meet customer expectations

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Operations, Chemistry, or a related discipline
• 5–10 years of leadership experience in industrial chemical manufacturing or a comparable environment
• Demonstrated success in leading multi-site operations and driving operational excellence initiatives (e.g., Lean, continuous improvement)
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, with experience managing budgets, cost structures, and CAPEX investments
• In-depth knowledge of manufacturing processes, EHS standards, and regulatory requirements (including MHF frameworks)
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders and lead change in a regional or global matrix organization
• Strong communication skills and proficiency in SAP and Microsoft Office tools

Arxada has world class offerings in two distinct areas: Microbial Control Solutions (MCS) focuses on threats posed by microorganisms to people and planet through five distinct business lines including Professional Hygiene, Home & Personal Care, Wood Protection, Paints & Coatings and Material Protection.

Nutrition, Care & Environmental (NCE), meanwhile, provides materials used to manufacture composites for electronics, aerospace and other markets, as well as vitamins and nutritional ingredients, chemicals and performance intermediates, and raw materials for a wide range of high-performance applications.

Arxada is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a qualified individual with disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.