Factory Production Manager
Marlborough Oysters Ltd
Riverlands, Marlborough
Are you an experienced production leader who enjoys being on the factory floor, building strong teams and driving operational performance?
We are looking for a hands-on Factory Production Manager to lead our oyster processing operation in Marlborough. This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring production runs safely, efficiently and profitably while delivering high-quality products to customers in New Zealand and overseas.
Working closely with our Farming, Sales, and Compliance teams, you will lead day-to-day factory operations, develop production capability and help drive the next stage of growth within the business.
About the role
As Production Manager, you will take ownership of all production activities across the factory, including:
· Leading daily production, grading, packing, storage and dispatch operations
· Coordinating closely with Farming Operations and Factory Sales to ensure alignment across the business
· Developing production plans to meet customer demand and harvest availability
· Managing and developing a team of factory employees
· Driving productivity, efficiency, yield improvement and factory throughput
· Ensuring high standards of product quality, hygiene and operational performance
· Coordinating labour, equipment and resources to meet production targets
· Managing operational health and safety on the factory floor
· Overseeing cleaning, sanitation and factory readiness activities
· Supporting traceability, biosecurity and food safety requirements through effective operational practices
· Working with Engineering to minimise downtime and improve equipment reliability
· Identifying and implementing continuous improvement opportunities across the operation
About you
You are an organised and practical leader who enjoys solving problems, supporting people and improving performance.
You will ideally have:
· Previous experience managing production, manufacturing, seafood or food-processing operations
· Strong leadership and people management skills
· Experience with production planning, workflow management and staff scheduling
· A strong focus on safety, quality and operational discipline
· The ability to make decisions and remain calm under pressure
· Excellent communication and organisational skills
· Experience managing productivity, labour efficiency and operational performance
· Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office
· A continuous improvement mindset and the ability to drive positive change
Experience and qualifications within seafood processing, aquaculture or the food industry would be advantageous but is not essential.
What we offer
· A senior leadership role within a growing New Zealand business
· Opportunity to develop your skills through training in seafood manufacturing, HACCP, and RMP management.
· Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on production performance and future growth
· A supportive and hardworking team environment
· Competitive remuneration package based on experience
· The chance to live and work in Marlborough's world-renowned marine farming region
About us
Marlborough Oysters Ltd is a privately owned oyster production company and the inventor of the FlipFarm™ oyster growing system. Together with our associated company, FlipFarm Systems Ltd, we’re recognised internationally for sustainable aquaculture and practical innovation.
If you enjoy leading people, improving operations and delivering results in a fast-paced production environment, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply now via Seek, or to [email protected], with your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and suitability for the role.