Looking for your next career move? We're on the hunt for a skilled operator to join the Refinery Team and play a crucial role in the refining and deodorising of our products. You’ll be hands-on in ensuring our products meet top QC1 standards, by processing bulk oil through our deodoriser as per customer requirements so our products are ready to be packed by our Packing Team or transported in bulk to customers. We're looking for a candidate who has a good appreciation of food manufacturing or the food processing industry, but applicants with experience in similar fields are encouraged to apply. The role encompasses both the manual and automated processing of refining oil.
This is a Relief Operator role, working 80 hours per fortnight to cover planned leave. Flexibility is essential, as you'll be required to work days and night shifts as needed. Initially, you’ll be on a Monday-to-Friday schedule while you learn the plant and get up to speed.
Some of the duties include (but are not limited to):
Operating the Refinery like a well-oiled machine (literally!) to ensure all products are manufactured to QC1 standards.
Operating the control room PLC systems to keep production operating smoothly.
Handling boilers, air and nitrogen compressors, heaters, and more
Managing the unloading of bulk tankers, decanting and filling of IBCs and conducting aklali refinind and degumming of raw materials.
Operating the Fractionation plant.
Operating refinary equipment including vaccuum systems (steam ejectors) heat exchangers and separators.
To be successful, you will have:
Control room experience – you know your way around PLC systems.
Plant experience, ideally in food manufacturing or the food processing industry. Ideally 3-5 years experience in a refinary operator role.
Technical qualification in Process Technology, Mechanical Engineering or a related field is preferred
Strong problem-solving skills and a mechanical aptitude.
HMI experience
A keen eye for detail – nothing slips past you.
A solid communicator who works well across teams.
The Company
Bakels Edible Oils specialises in manufacturing plant and animal-based oils and fats, that are the value-adding ingredients behind some of some of New Zealand’s most iconic brands. Deeply rooted in our DNA is our strong family culture and our desire to formulate the best place to work for our people. We’re in this for good. One team, all together for a better world. Bringing the right talent into our team, that aligns with our core values (Integrity, Respect, and Dedication) is vital to our success.
So, if you value the same things, why not join us?
Our Benefits
We’re all about looking after our people. With subsidised health insurance to keep you feeling good, a company superannuation scheme to help plan for the future, a free product each month, and a wellbeing program to keep things in balance—working with us comes with some pretty great perks. Because a great job should come with great benefits, too.
Come be a part of a team that's all about keeping you happy, healthy, and thriving! If this is the opportunity you have been waiting for, don’t delay – apply now!
We will be reviewing applications as they are received and may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Applications close on 20 November 2026.
Candidates must be able to pass pre-employment substance tests.