Site Operations Manager

Walter & Wild; Masterton; On-site; NZD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Walter & Wild is seeking an experienced Site Operations Manager to lead their Hansells manufacturing site. This pivotal role involves overseeing daily operations, performance, and leadership across the site while ensuring compliance with food safety regulations and fostering a high-performance culture.

Qualifications

• 7+ years’ leadership experience within FMCG or manufacturing.
• Proven track record leading large teams across functions.
• Strong working knowledge of H&S, food safety, and quality systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day site operations, ensuring delivery to plan.
• Champion a zero-harm safety culture.
• Oversee food safety and quality systems.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Food safety knowledge

Health & Safety compliance

Financial acumen

Continuous improvement mindset

Job description

We’re looking for an experienced Site Operations Manager to lead our Hansells manufacturing site. This is a pivotal role with full responsibility for daily operations, performance delivery, and leadership across the site. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and know how to bring out the best in people, process, and product – this could be your next challenge.

About Us

At Walter & Wild, we’re proud to be one of New Zealand’s leading food manufacturers, with a portfolio that includes some of the country’s most iconic brands:Hubbards, Hansells, Horleys, I Love Food Co., Aunt Betty’s, Vitafresh & Vitasport, Greggs, Alfa One, Movenpick (NZ & AU), Killinchy Gold, NZ Natural, Zilch,andChateau.

About the Role
You'll lead the sites performance across production, quality, food safety, health and safety, engineering, warehousing, logistics, and customer service. You’ll champion care for our people, safety and compliance, build a high-performance culture, and drive operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day site operations, ensuring delivery to plan and cross-functional alignment
• Champion a zero-harm safety culture and ensure compliance with H&S legislation
• Oversee food safety and quality systems, including BRC, HACCP, and regulatory compliance
• Develop and lead the site leadership team to success – coach, engage, and hold accountable
• Manage the site’s operational budget, drive cost control, and report performance
• Ensure asset reliability through robust maintenance and capital project support
• Oversee warehousing and logistics to meet inventory, compliance, and delivery targets
• Align closely with Commercial and Supply Chain teams to meet customer demand and service levels

What We’re Looking For

• 7+ years’ leadership experience within FMCG or manufacturing
• Proven track record leading large teams across functions
• Strong working knowledge of H&S, food safety, and quality systems
• Financial acumen with experience in budgeting and cost control
• Continuous improvement mindset and experience leading cultural change

Your Leadership Style

• People-focused, positive, and approachable
• Hands-on, accountable, and driven to deliver results
• Clear communicator and strong relationship builder
• Calm under pressure with sound judgement and problem-solving skills

Why Join Us?
This is a key leadership opportunity in a business with well-loved products and a proud regional presence. You’ll shape the site’s future, build a strong team, and make a real impact.