Production Manager

Southern Lakes Laundries; Timaru; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Southern Lakes Laundries in Timaru, South Island, seeks an hands-on leader to oversee daily laundry operations, supervise a production team, and ensure production, quality, safety and customer service standards are met. You will coordinate maintenance, plan daily output and drive improvements in efficiency and accuracy.

The role emphasizes strong leadership, mechanical aptitude and excellent communication, with relocation support if needed.

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams in manufacturing, production, logistics or commercial laundry.
• Mechanically minded with ability to identify equipment issues.
• Experience with industrial machinery is highly desirable.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Organised and proactive problem-solver.
• Able to work in fast-paced environments and make decisions.
• Passionate about developing people and improving processes.
• Good computer skills and fluent English.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the laundry floor.
• Supervise, train and support a team of production staff.
• Plan daily production to meet customer deadlines and quality standards.
• Monitor productivity, KPIs and drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure a safe workplace and health & safety compliance.
• Coordinate maintenance with the Engineering team to minimise downtime.
• Be the first point of contact for basic machinery troubleshooting.
• Manage staffing levels and workflow to maximise efficiency.
• Support driver operations and collaborate with other departments.
• Monitor stock levels of chemicals and consumables.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Manufacturing experience

Mechanical aptitude

Safety awareness

English fluent

Computer skills

Education

Experience in industrial laundry

Tools

Industrial 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.

Southern Lakes Laundries – Timaru, South Island

This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for overseeing the daily operation of the laundry, leading a production team, and ensuring production, quality, safety and customer service standards are consistently achieved.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the laundry floor
• Supervise, train and support a team of production staff
• Plan daily production to ensure customer deadlines and quality standards are met
• Monitor productivity, KPIs and drive continuous improvement
• Ensure a safe workplace and compliance with Health & Safety requirements
• Work closely with the Engineering team to minimise equipment downtime and coordinate preventative maintenance
• Be the first point of contact for basic machinery troubleshooting and identify maintenance requirements
• Manage staffing levels and workflow to maximise efficiency
• Support driver operations and collaborate with other departments
• Monitor stock levels of chemicals and consumables

About you

• Previous experience managing teams in manufacturing, production, logistics or commercial laundry
• Mechanically minded, with the ability to identify equipment issues and perform basic troubleshooting
• Experience working with industrial machinery is highly desirable
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment and make sound decisions
• Passionate about developing people and improving processes
• Good computer skills and fluent English
• Relocation assistance (if applicable)
• A supportive leadership team
• The chance to live and work in beautiful Twizel, with easy access to lakes, mountains and outdoor activities

About us

Southern Lakes Laundries is one of New Zealand's leading commercial laundries.