Night Shift Production Lead

McCain Foods; Hastings; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food processing company in Hastings is seeking a Night Shift Production Lead to oversee team operations during the night shift. The role requires a hands-on leader with manufacturing knowledge to ensure safe and efficient operations. Responsibilities include organizing schedules, driving team performance, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Candidates should possess strong problem-solving skills and leadership experience. This position offers opportunities for skill-based pay progression and leadership development.

Benefits

Night Shift Allowance

Skill-based pay progression

Access to Leadership & Development programs

Life and Total Permanent Disability Insurance

Matched KiwiSaver contributions

Employee & Family Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading teams in a fast-paced manufacturing or food processing environment.
• Ability to adapt quickly and make confident decisions.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on practical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the team for safe and efficient shift operations.
• Organize daily schedules and assign tasks.
• Drive team performance to meet safety, quality, and productivity targets.
• Foster continuous improvement and support the Shift Manager.

Skills

Hands-on leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Collaboration

Initiative

Job description

Overview

Position Title: Night Shift Production Lead

Position Type: Regular - Full-Time

Position Location: Hastings

Requisition ID: 38451

The McCain Experience. We are McCain. This statement is a testament to our collective strength and our individual value. Our winning culture is rooted in authenticity and trust, empowering us to bring out the best in one another. Here, you’ll find opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Join us and experience why we’re better together.

The team: Our team is dedicated to processing and packing vegetables to the highest standards, ensuring top-quality products reach our customers both locally and around the world.

The role: We have an opportunity for a hands-on leader with strong manufacturing knowledge, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. In this role, you’ll be present and visible on the floor - leading by example, working alongside your team, and staying close to the action to provide support where it’s needed. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on solving problems in real time, remains calm under pressure, and takes a solution-focused approach to resolving issues and keeping things moving. You’ll bring a positive attitude, hold yourself and others accountable, and contribute to a supportive team culture where continuous improvement is part of everyday work. Reporting to the Shift Manager, you’ll be responsible for the day-to-day running of the manufacturing plant during night shift operations. Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration will be key to your success. This can be more than a leadership role – it’s a pipeline opportunity for someone who is driven, ambitious, and ready to grow. Working 12-hour fixed night shifts (6pm–6am), 4 nights on then 4 nights off, you’ll play a critical part in leading your team and delivering results.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading and coordinating your team to ensure safe and efficient shift operations
• Ensuring all reporting and documentation is completed accurately and in a timely manner
• Organising daily schedules, assigning tasks, and helping to ensure appropriate staffing levels are in place to meet production demands
• Driving team performance to meet safety, food safety, quality, productivity, and schedule adherence targets
• Promoting a strong safety culture, ensuring full compliance with health and safety, and food safety standards and regulations
• Actively problem solving and managing downtime in collaboration with the Shift Manager and other departments
• Fostering continuous improvement by encouraging team input and supporting solution implementation
• Stepping in to support or act on behalf of the Shift Manager when required

What You’ll Need To Be Successful

We’re looking for someone who brings energy, initiative, and a passion for leading people. You’ll be a strong fit for this role if you have:

• A hands-on leadership style – visible, approachable, and actively involved on the floor
• Proven experience leading teams in a fast-paced manufacturing or food processing (FMCG) environment
• A growth mindset and ambition to develop into future leadership roles within the business
• The ability to adapt quickly, stay calm under pressure, and make confident decisions
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, team-first approach
• A positive, can-do attitude – ready to tackle challenges with enthusiasm and determination
• Strong problem-solving skills, with a focus on practical solutions and continuous improvement

What’s In It For You

• Night Shift Allowance on top of your hourly wage
• Skill-based pay progression and ongoing upskilling opportunities
• Access to innovative Leadership & Development programs
• Immediate Life and Total Permanent Disability Insurance cover
• Matched KiwiSaver contributions up to 4%
• Fun team culture with BBQs, events, and bi-annual celebrations
• Free and confidential Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

If you’re a driven, hands-on leader looking to take the next step in your career, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now with your CV and cover letter telling us why you’re the right fit for this role.

About McCain

To learn more about McCain and how we provide you with opportunities to make an impact that matters, click here.

McCain Foods is an equal opportunity employer. As a global family-owned company, we strive to be the employer of choice in the diverse communities around the world in which we live and work. We recognize that inclusion drives our creativity, resilience, and success and makes our business stronger. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

McCain is an accessible employer. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials or accessible meeting rooms), please let us know and we will work with you to find appropriate solutions.

Your privacy is important to us. By submitting personal data or information to us, you agree this will be handled in accordance with McCain’s Global Privacy Policy and Global Employee Privacy Policy, as applicable. You can understand how your personal information is being handled here.

Job Family: Manufacturing

Division: ANZ

Department: Hastings Crew D

Location(s): NZ - New Zealand : Hawke's Bay : Hastings

Company: McCain Foods (NZ) Limited