Production Manager

Technical Recruitment Solutions Ltd; West Coast; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Health insurance

Life insurance

Growth trajectory

Job summary

Client is a well-established dairy manufacturer seeking a Production Manager to lead a 24/7 operation, owning safety, quality, delivery and cost. You will guide a large team of supervisors and technical leads and drive lean/TPM improvements while solving day-to-day production challenges.

This role is central to preparing the site for its future investment, balancing BAU with change, upskilling, and process improvement in a dynamic dairy environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• 3+ years in a leadership role.
• A relevant tertiary qualification, or equivalent experience.
• Dairy manufacturing experience is critical, particularly in protein or powder production.
• Track record of driving a strong problem-solving and continuous improvement culture.
• Comfort operating in a 24/7, shift-based production environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead a 24/7 manufacturing department, owning safety, quality, delivery and cost outcomes.
• Manage a sizeable team including supervisors and technical leads.
• Drive continuous improvement through an established lean/TPM programme.
• Hands-on role in solving day-to-day production challenges.

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

TPM

Problem solving

Continuous improvement

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Job description

The Company

Our client is a well-established dairy manufacturer producing high-quality, export-grade dairy products for international markets. As part of a larger global group, the business combines the scale and resources of an international operation with a genuinely close-knit, on-the-ground site culture. With a strong pipeline of capital investment and a clear vision to be recognised as a world-class producer, this is a business that's investing heavily in its people, its plant, and its future.

The Opportunity

We're looking for an experienced Production Manager to lead a 24/7 manufacturing department, taking full ownership of safety, quality, delivery, and cost outcomes. You'll lead a sizeable team including supervisors and technical leads, drive continuous improvement through an established lean manufacturing/TPM programme, and play a hands‑on role in problem‑solving day‑to‑day production challenges.

This is more than a "keep the plant running" role. The business is investing in the future of the plant, and you'll be central to ensuring the team is operationally ready to make the most of it, balancing BAU performance with change, upskilling, and process improvement.

You, the Candidate

You're a strong, resilient leader who can hold the line while bringing your team with you. You'll bring:

• 5+ years' experience in a food manufacturing environment, with 3+ years in a leadership role
• A relevant tertiary qualification, or equivalent experience
• Dairy manufacturing experience is critical, particularly in protein or powder production
• A track record of driving a strong problem‑solving and continuous improvement culture
• Comfort operating in a 24/7, shift-based production environment
• The ability to build trust and engage a team through periods of change and growth

What's in it for You

• A genuine growth trajectory, with the opportunity to develop into more senior leadership as the business expands
• Relocation and accommodation support to help make your move seamless
• Subsidised health and life insurance
• The chance to live and work in one of New Zealand's most beautiful, underrated regions with all the lifestyle benefits that come with it!
• The opportunity to be part of a well-resourced investment programme that will shape the site for years to come