Production Leading Hand

Milligans Food Group Ltd; Oamaru; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly rate

Staff benefits

Ongoing training and development

Job summary

Milligans Food Group Ltd in Oamaru, South Island, is seeking a practical, energetic leader to join our production team on a permanent, full-time basis. You will guide staff across production and packing lines, ensuring targets are met safely, efficiently and to food-safety standards.

You will supervise, train and support the team, lead by example, and contribute hands-on leadership in daily operations while maintaining high standards of housekeeping and quality. Training will be provided.

Qualifications

• Experience leading production staff in a manufacturing setting.
• Strong people-management, reliability and hands-on leadership.
• Ability to train, organise and supervise teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support and motivate production staff.
• Train team members and build capability.
• Allocate work and keep lines running.
• Set up, operate and monitor lines.
• Identify and respond to production or quality issues.
• Complete production and quality paperwork.
• Oversee cleaning, sanitation and equipment prep.
• Organise packaging and materials for upcoming production.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Staff supervision

Training personnel

Problem-solving

Reliability

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.

Milligans Food Group Ltd - Oamaru, South Island

We are looking for a practical, energetic leader to join our production team in a permanent, full-time role.

Milligans Food Group produces and packs a wide range of food products, including cheese, butter, Frosty Boy soft serve and dry food mixes.

Reporting to the Operations and Production Manager , you will lead staff across our production and packing lines while remaining actively involved in the day-to-day work. You will help ensure production targets are met safely, efficiently and to the required food-safety and quality standards.

Hours: This is a permanent, full-time position working Monday to Friday, 6:00 am-4:30 pm

Key responsibilities

• Lead, support and motivate production staff
• Train team members and help build their capability
• Allocate work and keep production lines running effectively
• Set up, operate and monitor multiple production and packing lines
• Identify and respond to production or quality issues
• Complete production and quality paperwork accurately
• Oversee cleaning, sanitation and equipment preparation
• Organise packaging and materials for upcoming production

About you

• Has strong leadership and communication skills
• Is confident supervising, organising and training staff
• Leads by example and is willing to get stuck in
• Is practical, organised and able to solve problems
• Has a positive and responsible attitude
• Is dependable and turns up ready to work
• Can maintain high standards of food safety, quality and housekeeping

Previous experience in food manufacturing is not essential, as full training will be provided on our products, processes and equipment. What is more important is that you are practical, comfortable working hands-on and confident leading, organising and supporting staff. Strong people-management skills, reliability and the ability to lead by example will be key to succeeding in this role.

What we offer

• Competitive hourly rate and staff benefits
• A stable role with a successful, established Oamaru company
• A supportive team environment
• Ongoing training and development
• Genuine opportunities to progress within the business

If you are a reliable, capable leader who works well with people and enjoys hands-on production work, we would like to hear from you.

This position is located in Oamaru, South Island.

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency.

Please note only short-listed candidates will be contacted.