Shift Production Lead – Chocolate Manufacturing

TRS Staffing Solutions; Wellington; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Whittaker’s in New Zealand seeks an experienced Production Lead to run day-to-day operations in the Making team, overseeing a team of around 30 direct reports. You’ll be on the floor leading shifts, keeping roasting, refining, and production processes moving, and making sure product goes out safely, efficiently and to spec.

This isn’t a background role. You own your shift’s performance and outcomes, and you’re the one people come to when something needs sorting – whether that’s a process issue,

Qualifications

• Experience supervising a manufacturing team and managing performance.
• Background in GMP manufacturing environments.
• Strong problem-solving and continuous improvement mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate shift activities across the Making Department.
• Allocate resources to hit production requirements.
• Monitor and troubleshoot roasting, refining, and production processes.
• Report on KPIs and shift performance.
• Manage your team’s performance, behaviour and attendance including coaching, training and disciplinary processes when required.
• Keep the team compliant with GMP, hygiene and food safety standards.
• Build a skilled flexible team through training and cross skilling.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

People management

GMP knowledge

Process improvement

Cross-functional communication

Production leadership

Job description

Whittaker’s in New Zealand seeks an experienced Production Lead to run day-to-day operations in the Making team, overseeing a team of around 30 direct reports. You’ll be on the floor leading shifts, keeping roasting, refining, and production processes moving, and making sure product goes out safely, efficiently and to spec.

This isn’t a background role. You own your shift’s performance and outcomes, and you’re the one people come to when something needs sorting – whether that’s a process issue,