Night Shift Production Lead

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

Job summary

A food processing company located in Hastings is seeking a Night Shift Production Lead to coordinate operations during night shifts. The ideal candidate will have experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and a hands-on leadership style. Responsibilities include leading a team, ensuring safety and quality standards are met, and driving performance. This role offers a Night Shift Allowance and opportunities for growth and development within the company.

Benefits

Night Shift Allowance

Skill-based pay progression

Leadership & Development programs

Life Insurance cover

Matched KiwiSaver contributions

Employee & Family Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Experience in fast-paced manufacturing or food processing environment.
• Ability to lead and manage a team effectively.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate team to ensure safe and efficient shift operations.
• Organize schedules, assign tasks, and meet production demands.
• Drive team performance to meet safety and quality targets.

Skills

Hands-on leadership

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Adaptability

Team coordination

Job description

Position Title: Night Shift Production Lead

Position Type: Regular - Full-Time

Position Location: Hastings

We are McCain. This statement is a testament to our collective strength and our individual value. Your contributions play a vital role in our success. 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.

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.

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

• 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)

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.