Yard Operator

McCain Foods; Timaru; On-site; NZD 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

McCain Foods is seeking a reliable Yard Operator for our Timaru site. This hands-on role requires confident forklift operation, good communication, and the ability to manage priorities in a fast-paced environment.

You will interact with multiple teams and external drivers to ensure material movements are efficient and safe. Reporting to the Coldstore Manager and working on a rotating 12-hour shift, you will maintain stock accuracy, conduct safety checks, and contribute to GMP compliance while

Qualifications

• Experience operating forklifts in warehousing, logistics, or manufacturing environments.
• Proven ability to work safely and confidently as sole Yard Operator on shift.
• Ability to communicate effectively with multiple teams and external drivers.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate forklifts throughout the yard and warehouse, including larger-capacity forklifts.
• Receive, store, move and dispatch materials with inventory accuracy.
• Coordinate yard activities, including truck movements, waste collection, and pallet management.
• Use inventory systems to manage stock movements and documentation.
• Communicate with Production, Maintenance, Warehouse, Coldstore and external drivers.
• Prioritise tasks while maintaining safety, efficiency and customer service.
• Conduct routine equipment inspections and safety checks.
• Maintain GMP compliance and keep a clean, organized environment.

Skills

Forklift operation

Communications

Independence

Prioritisation

Basic computer literacy

Shift roster versatility

Education

NZ Driver Licence

OSH Forklift Certificate

Tools

SAP

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)

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.

In every role, McCainers are ambitious, curious, and passionate about creating exceptional work experiences —together. With a customer-first mindset, we make doing business with McCain easy.

About the role.

We're looking for a reliable and proactive Yard Operator to join our team in Timaru.

As the sole Yard Operator on shift, you'll play a key role in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of materials across our busy manufacturing site. This is a hands‑on role that requires confident forklift operation, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Reporting to the Coldstore Manager, you'll work closely with the Coldstore team, Inventory Administrator, Shift Manager and Supervisor, while also regularly liaising with Production, Maintenance, and external truck drivers to keep site operations running smoothly.

This role operates on a rotating 12-hour shift roster of 2 days (7:00am - 7:00pm), 2 nights (7:00pm - 7:00am), followed by 4 days off.

What you’ll be doing.

Safely operate forklifts throughout the yard and warehouse, including larger‑capacity forklifts and specialised attachments.

Receive, store, move and dispatch materials across the site while maintaining inventory accuracy.

Coordinate yard activities, including truck movements, waste and recycling collection, pallet management, and material movements.

Use computer-based inventory systems to manage stock movements and related documentation.

Communicate effectively with Production, Maintenance, Warehouse, Coldstore teams and external drivers to coordinate daily activities.

Prioritise multiple operational requests while maintaining a strong focus on safety, efficiency and customer service.

Conduct routine equipment inspections, complete safety checks, and contribute to a safe working environment.

Maintain compliance with site procedures and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements.

Proactively elevate issues and seek support when operational demands require additional assistance.

Contribute to a clean, organised and compliant work environment, while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

What you'll need to be successful

Demonstrated experience operating forklifts safely and confidently in a warehousing, logistics, manufacturing or industrial environment.

Current New Zealand Driver Licence and OSH Forklift Certificate.

Strong communication skills and the ability to build effective working relationships across multiple teams and external stakeholders.

Ability to work independently and confidently as the sole Yard Operator on shift.

Proven ability to prioritise competing tasks and remain calm in a fast‑paced operational environment.

Basic computer literacy and confidence using inventory, warehouse or business systems.

Ability to work the rotating 12-hour shift roster.

Current unrestricted working rights in New Zealand.

Preferred

Experience within a manufacturing, food production or FMCG environment.

Experience using SAP, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) or inventory management systems.

Familiarity with GMP requirements.

Recruitment process

Shortlisted candidates will be required to successfully complete a practical forklift skills assessment, along with pre-employment medical, drug screening and reference checks.

About McCain

To learn more about McCain and how we provide you with opportunities to make an impact that matters, visit – https://www.mccain.com/about-us/our-purpose-values/

At McCain, our leadership principles guide how we engage with customers, collaborate as a team, and achieve success. We focus on understanding customer needs, driving innovation, empowering people, and taking ownership to clear obstacles and deliver results.

AI & Digital Capabilities

At McCain, AI and digital capabilities are part of how we work and innovate. We value curiosity toward emerging technologies and the thoughtful, responsible use of AI-enabled tools to improve outcomes as part of our future-ready culture.

The McCain experience.

We are McCain. This statement is a testament to our collective strength and our individual value. Your contributions play a vital role in our success. Our winning culture is rooted in authenticity and trust, empowering us to bring out the best in one another. Here, you’ll find opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Join us and experience why we’re better together.

We've got this covered! No external agency support required and unsolicited CVs will not be considered.