Kitchen / Production Manager
Makana Confections | Kerikeri, Bay of Islands
The Opportunity
At Makana Confections, the kitchen really is the heart of our operation.
It is where our products are created, where quality is protected, and where a talented team works together to produce the handcrafted chocolates and confections for which Makana is known.
We are looking for an experienced and energetic Kitchen / Production Manager to lead this important part of our business.
This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys being at the centre of a busy production environment. You will lead the kitchen team, plan and manage production, maintain our exacting quality and food safety standards, and ensure the kitchen operates efficiently and effectively.
Just as importantly, you will help create a positive workplace where people enjoy coming to work, understand what is expected of them and take pride in what they produce.
Reporting directly to the General Manager, you will be a key member of the Makana management team and will work closely with the Retail Manager, other managers and the owners of the business.
About the Role
As Kitchen / Production Manager, you will take overall responsibility for the day-to-day operation and performance of Makana's production kitchen.
This is a varied role combining people leadership, production management, quality, planning and hands-on problem solving.
You will be responsible for:
Leading and developing the kitchen team, creating a positive, productive and supportive working environment.
Planning and managing production of Makana's full product range to ensure the right products are available at the right time.
Maintaining the consistently high product quality and presentation standards that our customers expect from Makana.
Planning staffing and kitchen rosters to meet changing production requirements, including our particularly busy periods.
Managing productivity and looking for practical ways to continually improve the efficiency of the kitchen.
Ensuring Makana's food safety, hygiene and Health & Safety standards are consistently maintained.
Managing stock levels, stock rotation, stocktakes and accurate production records.
Managing ingredient and supply requirements, including ordering from approved suppliers and following up on deliveries and discrepancies.
Ensuring kitchen equipment, tools and other physical assets are properly cared for and maintained.
Recruiting, inducting, training, coaching and developing kitchen team members.
Managing staff performance and providing regular feedback and performance reviews.
Developing capable deputies within the team so that the kitchen has strong leadership and operational continuity at all times.
Working closely with the Retail Manager to ensure production supports the needs of our retail operation and the overall Makana visitor experience.
The Person We're Looking For
You don't necessarily need to have followed one particular career path to succeed in this role.
You may come from food production, commercial kitchens, hospitality, manufacturing, bakery, confectionery or another fast-paced production environment. What matters most is that you understand how to lead people and organise a busy operation where quality, consistency and productivity all matter.
We are looking for someone who brings:
Strong leadership
You enjoy leading people and know how to set clear expectations, motivate a team and lead by example. You are comfortable being both supportive and accountable.
Energy and drive
This is a busy environment. You will need the energy, resilience and practical "can-do" attitude to keep things moving and get things done.
Excellent organisational skills
You are comfortable juggling production schedules, staffing, stock, unexpected issues and competing priorities without losing sight of the bigger picture.
An eye for quality and detail
You notice when something isn't right and take action. Whether it is product quality, presentation, equipment, cleanliness or the way the kitchen is operating, you naturally see opportunities to improve things.
Good judgement and practical problem-solving skills
You think situations through, gather the information you need and make sensible decisions. You also know when to involve others or ask for support.
Strong people skills
You are approachable and enjoy working with people, while also having the confidence to have difficult conversations and maintain standards when required.
Calmness under pressure
Busy periods are part of the job. You are able to maintain perspective, stay positive and provide calm leadership when the pace increases or things don't go according to plan.
Clear communication
You communicate openly and constructively with your team, fellow managers, the General Manager and business owners. At Makana, we value candid and respectful communication in both directions.
Sound computer skills
You are comfortable using Microsoft 365, particularly Word and Excel, and are able to maintain accurate operational and production records.
Why Makana?
Makana is a well-established New Zealand confectionery business with a reputation for producing premium handmade chocolates and other confections.
Our Kerikeri kitchen is much more than a production facility. Customers can see our products being made, which means the kitchen and the people working within it are an important part of the Makana experience.
For the right person, this is an opportunity to take ownership of a significant part of the business and make a genuine impact.
You'll have the opportunity to:
Lead an established and important team.
Take real responsibility for the performance of the production operation.
Work closely with the General Manager and business owners.
Develop people and build capability within the kitchen.
Improve systems, productivity and ways of working.
Be part of a respected New Zealand brand where quality really matters.
Live and work in Kerikeri and the beautiful Bay of Islands.