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Home · Cottonsoft · Production Team Leader

About Cottonsoft

We’re a proud FMCG manufacturer and distributor of market‑leading, high‑quality, sustainably made toilet and tissue paper products throughout New Zealand for over 30 years. Our well‑loved portfolio of retail and commercial brands includes Paseo, CottonSofts, KiwiSoft, Tuffy, Cute&Co., EarthSmart and Livi, with products ranging from toilet roll and facial tissue through to paper towel, nappies, and wipes.

We employ over 200 people across three sites throughout New Zealand, two in Auckland (Highbrook and Wiri), and one in Christchurch. Our people, strong safety culture,  commitment to quality and operational excellence are central to everything we do.


The Opportunity

As part of the establishment and ramp-up of our brand-new Christchurch (Hornby South) manufacturing site, we are recruiting an experienced Production Team Leader to join our Converting Team. This is a permanent full‑time role, working a four‑on, four‑off rotating shift roster (days and nights).

Reporting to the Site Manager, you will lead a team of 3 Machine Operators and be accountable for the safe, efficient, and high‑quality running of the production area during your shift. This is a hands‑on leadership role where you will set the standard for safety, performance, and teamwork on the floor.

This role will suit a leader who enjoys being close to the operation and helping establish strong foundations in a new site environment.


Key Responsibilities

As Production Team Leader, you will:

  • Lead and oversee day‑to‑day production operations during your shift

  • Actively work on the production lines, operating equipment and supporting the team as required

  • Promote, model, and enforce strong health and safety practices at all times

  • Ensure all product meets quality standards, specifications, and customer expectations

  • Supervise, coach, and support Machine Operators to achieve production and quality targets

  • Set up, operate, and assist with changeovers of manufacturing equipment

  • Monitor machine performance, downtime, defects, and quality issues and take prompt action

  • Ensure adherence to SOPs and site standards

  • Coordinate cleaning, housekeeping, and quality activities on the floor

  • Lead effective shift handovers and clearly communicate risks, issues, and priorities

  • Complete accurate production, safety, and quality reporting

  • Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, and waste reduction


You Will Bring

  • Proven experience leading or supervising small teams in a manufacturing or production environment

  • A hands‑on leadership style, comfortable working on the lines alongside your team

  • A strong personal commitment to health, safety, and quality, with the confidence to challenge unsafe or non‑conforming behaviour

  • Experience operating manufacturing equipment and supporting troubleshooting activities

  • Experience working on rotating shift rosters (days and nights desirable)

  • Strong communication, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills

  • Reliability, adaptability, and a team‑focused mindset

  • Experience in FMCG, continuous manufacturing, or highly regulated environments (highly regarded)

  • Comfort working in a new site environment where processes and routines are still being embedded


Roster Structure

You will work a four‑on, four‑off rotating shift pattern, including both days and nights:

  • 4 x day shifts: 6.45am – 7pm

  • 4 x rostered days off

  • 4 x night shifts: 6.45pm – 7am

  • 4 x rostered days off

 (41.24 averaged hours per week)


What We Can Offer

  • Ongoing, secure employment

  • Opportunity to be part of a new Christchurch site

  • Strong onboarding and leadership support

  • Free onsite car parking

  • Free weekly take‑home product allowance

  • Heavily discounted product for you and your family

  • Monthly bacon and eggs morning tea

  • A supportive, safety‑first team culture


Our Hiring Process at Cottonsoft

  • Submit your application via Seek

  • Phone screen

  • Interview & Site Tour

  • 2 x reference checks

  • Pre-employment drug screen

  • Offer


Cottonsoft is committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants based on merit, skills, qualifications, and other relevant criteria.

If you’re a hands‑on production leader with a strong focus on safety and quality, and you’re excited by the opportunity to help establish a new Christchurch operation, apply today via Seek.

No agencies please.

We are only reviewing candidates who are based in New Zealand with permanent NZ work rights.