Operator Process - Timaru

Mccain Foods; Canterbury; On-site; NZD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

McCain Foods (NZ) Limited in Timaru is seeking an Operator Process to take full responsibility for a production zone in our 24/7 potato processing plant. You will operate touchscreen machinery and ensure smooth running of each stage.

Training is provided; you will work both independently and with a small team, with a structured 12-hour shift pattern and a strong focus on food safety, quality, and continual improvement.

Qualifications

• Ability to learn quickly and adapt in a dynamic production environment.
• Basic computer skills and data entry capability.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining clear communication with the team.
• Comfort with prolonged standing and walking during a 12-hour shift.
• Commitment to health, safety and food quality standards.
• Willingness to undergo medical checks, drug screening and references.

Responsibilities

• Operate and own your production zone, maintaining results and standards.
• Set up and operate computerized machinery with touchscreen interfaces.
• Follow the structured 12-hour shift roster.
• Perform data entry and documentation for quality control.
• Conduct cleaning and sanitation routines for food safety.
• Identify and resolve defects in product or machinery.
• Collaborate with a small team and ensure clear handovers at shift changes.

Skills

Basic computer skills

Independent worker

Prolonged standing

Team collaboration

Tools

Touchscreen machinery operation

Job description

Position Title:Operator Process - Timaru

Position Type: Regular - Full-Time

Requisition ID: 44824

In every role, McCainers are ambitious, curious, and passionate about creating exceptional work experiences —together. With a customer-first mindset, we make doing business with McCain easy.

About the role.

As a Processing Operator at our Timaru plant, you will take full responsibility for your production zone. You will play a vital role in transforming locally supplied potatoes into our renowned chips and fries. Our 24/7 operation relies on your initiative and independence; your contribution is central to maintaining our internationally recognised standards.

Previous experience is not essential – comprehensive training will be provided to ensure you succeed in the role.

What you’ll be doing.

• Manage the efficient operation of your specific production zone, taking full ownership for results and standards.
• Set up and operate computerized machinery with touchscreen interfaces, ensuring each stage runs smoothly.
• Work a structured roster of 12-hour shifts:
  • 2 days (7am–7pm), 2 nights (7pm–7am), followed by 4 days off
• Remain actively engaged in your zone for extended periods; the role requires substantial standing and walking during every shift.
• Perform basic data entry and documentation tasks required for quality control and administration.
• Conduct frequent cleaning and sanitation routines for food safety and high plant standards.
• Identify and resolve any defects in product or machinery, adapting quickly to change.
• Collaborate with your small team, but work primarily independently, ensuring clear handovers at shift changes.

What you’ll need to be successful.

• High level of mental agility: able to learn quickly, solve problems, and adapt to a dynamic production environment.
• Basic computer skills, including the ability to operate touchscreen machinery and perform regular data entry tasks.
• Ability to work independently – taking ownership of your assigned zone while maintaining clear communication with your team.
• Comfortable with prolonged standing and walking; physically able to manage a 12-hour shift.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn – McCain provides full training to support your success.
• Commitment to health, safety, and food quality standards.
• Previous experience in food manufacturing, shift work, or similar environments is helpful but not required.
• Must hold the right to work in New Zealand (current work visa required, no sponsorship available)
• Willingness to undergo medical check, drug screening, and reference checks.

Leadership principles.

At McCain, our leadership principles guide how we engage with customers, collaborate as a team, and achieve success. We focus on understanding customer needs, driving innovation, empowering people, and taking ownership to clear obstacles and deliver results.

AI & Digital Capabilities

At McCain, AI and digital capabilities are part of how we work and innovate. We value curiosity toward emerging technologies and the thoughtful, responsible use of AI-enabled tools to improve outcomes as part of our future-ready culture.

The McCain experience.

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.

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. McCain leverages AI in the hiring process, though all final decisions are made by humans. You can understand our approach to AI and how your personal information is being handled here.

Job Family: Manufacturing

Location(s): NZ - New Zealand : Canterbury : Timaru

Company: McCain Foods (NZ) Limited