Production / Kitchen Assistant (Food Manufacturing)

Yellow Umbrella; Tauranga; On-site; NZD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great team

Discounts on Pepper & Me products

Office lunches

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Pepper & Me, a New Zealand food manufacturer and retailer, is seeking a Production Assistant to support the Production Manager and team at our Tauriko HQ. Your day will cover batch production and packaging, stock checks, and ensuring quality and safety across the production kitchen.

You’ll contribute to a collaborative, hard-working team and help maintain high standards in a busy environment. This full-time role runs 7am–3:30pm, Monday to Friday, based in Tauriko.

Qualifications

• Experience reading recipes and following processes accurately.
• Knowledge of production kitchen health and safety standards.
• Experience with production machinery (heat sealers, labeling, batch dating).
• Clear and effective verbal and written communication.
• Team player with a positive, can-do attitude.
• Comfort with repetitive tasks and working methodically.
• Ability to adapt quickly when priorities shift.
• Physically fit to move and lift heavy boxes.

Responsibilities

• Produce batch products and ensure accurate measurements.
• Pack, package and date finished goods for daily/weekly targets.
• Operate production machinery safely.
• Follow production plans with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Support stock rotation and traceability.
• Help maintain food safety and hygiene standards.
• Assist the Production Manager and team as needed.
• Contribute to a positive team culture and reliability.

Skills

Attention to detail

Fast-paced work

Strong communication

Team player

Physical stamina

Tools

Heat sealers

Labelling equipment

Batch dating

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.

About Pepper & Me

Founded by Cherie Metcalfe in 2016 with the sole purpose of connecting food and people, Pepper & Me has quickly become a must-have food phenomenon. We're a fast-growing New Zealand food manufacturer and retailer of delicious salts, rubs, sauces and sprinkles, designed to take your cooking to the next level. We're a tight-knit, hardworking team that has a genuine laugh along the way. When peak times and high productivity are needed, we believe team culture is the foundation for getting through it together.

The Role

The Production Assistant works alongside and supports the Production Manager and team to keep our production kitchen running efficiently, safely and to the highest quality standards day to day.

You’ll be spending your time across three key areas:

1. Production & Batch Work

Batch production and mixing of our products, working to recipes and measurements with a high level of accuracy

Packing, packaging and batch dating finished product to meet daily and weekly production requirements.

Operating production machinery (heat sealers, labelling equipment, batch dating etc.)

Following production plans and processes consistently, with an eye for continuous improvement

2. Stock & Quality Support

Assisting with stock levels, rotation and traceability of ingredients and finished goods

Supporting food safety and hygiene standards across the production kitchen

Flagging quality issues early and following through on process checks, with a strong quality-first mindset.

3. Team Support & Culture

Working closely with the Production Manager and wider team, pitching in wherever needed

Bringing a positive, can-do attitude and strong communication to a fast-paced environment

Staying focused and productive even when the day gets busy, someone the team can rely on to finish to a high standard.

This is a full-time position based at Pepper & Me HQ in Tauriko. Hours are 7am–3.30pm, Monday to Friday.

About You

You’re someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can maintain momentum under pressure. This role suits a self-directed, focused person with the ability to get the job done without constant supervision, bringing energy and drive to the team.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have exceptional attention to detail when reading recipes and following processes
• Understand production kitchen health and safety and hygiene standards
• Have experience with production machinery (heat sealers, labelling, batch dating etc.)
• Be a clear, effective communicator, both verbal and written
• Be a genuine team player who's happy to help wherever needed
• Be happy undertaking repetitive tasks and working methodically within a system
• Adapt quickly when priorities shift and the day gets busy
• Bring a can-do attitude, with a get-it-done approach to daily tasks.
• Be physically fit and able to move and lift heavy and bulky boxes and bags
• Be passionate about food.

What We Offer

• A genuinely great team that works hard and has a laugh
• Perks and discounts on Pepper & Me product and delicious office lunches
• A growing brand with real room to develop as the business scales
• Hands-on experience across every part of the production process

We look forward to hearing from you.