Packing Operator

McCain Foods; Timaru; On-site; NZD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

McCain Foods is seeking a Processing Operator at our Timaru plant to take full responsibility for a production zone, turning locally sourced potatoes into chips and fries. The role operates in a 24/7 setting and offers comprehensive training to help you succeed.

You will manage your zone, set up touchscreen machinery, and perform quality control data entry, with a shift pattern of 2 days, 2 nights, followed by 4 days off.

Qualifications

• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to a dynamic production environment.
• Basic computer skills and ability to enter data on touchscreen interfaces.
• Ability to work independently and own your shift zone.
• Willingness to stand and walk for a 12-hour shift.
• Commitment to health, safety and food quality standards.
• Previous experience in food manufacturing or shift work is helpful but not required.
• Right to work in New Zealand; no sponsorship available.

Responsibilities

• Operate and own your production zone to meet quality and efficiency targets.
• Set up and operate touchscreen machinery; monitor stages for smooth operation.
• Follow a structured 12-hour shift roster: 2 days, 2 nights, 4 days off.
• Document data for quality control and administration.
• Perform cleaning and sanitation routines for food safety and plant standards.
• Identify defects and resolve issues; adapt quickly to change.
• Collaborate with a small team and ensure clear handovers at shift changes.

Skills

Mental agility

Independent work

Data entry

Health & safety awareness

Adaptability

Tools

Touchscreen machinery

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.

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

About McCain

To learn more about McCain and how we provide you with opportunities to make an impact that matters, please visit - https://www.mccain.com/about-us/our-purpose-values/

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.

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.