Senior Production Manager

About the role

This role offers the chance to shape the next chapter of a vertically integrated production site of a global premium brand. Scaling production capacity while preserving the quality, integrity and care that define Manukora, you’ll ensure every jar is crafted to the highest standard. Leading and developing the Te Aroha production team to deliver safe, efficient and world-class production outcomes, you’ll think strategically and lead practically.

Core Responsibilities

• Collaborates with management team peers to optimise key processes, including changeovers, creaming, and thermal treatment
• Deliver consistent, high-quality production and packing performance
• Embed a performance-driven, values-led culture while ensuring plans are grounded, people are supported and production runs predictably
• Identify and deliver improvements that enhance both process efficiency and reliability, ensuring the site continues to scale without compromising quality
• Contribute to the site’s long-term capability roadmap, helping to shape training programs, process optimisation initiatives and readiness for future automation
• Champion the “Best Honey on the Planet” in every aspect of production

What You’ll Bring to the Table

This role calls for a hands-on, high-accountability leader who leads from the floor, builds capable and engaged teams and drives disciplined execution through systems, structure and metrics.

You’ll excel at solving problems with a continuous improvement mindset, clear cross-functional communication and steady leadership that keeps teams calm and focused.

Our ideal candidate has 8–12 years of manufacturing leadership experience, ideally in food, beverage, or nutraceuticals. You’ve led production teams and bring strong knowledge of lean, GMP, and HACCP. While a technical or engineering qualification is a plus, what matters most is your ability to lead production, performance and culture collaboratively, think operationally and thrive in a values-driven, premium brand environment that is scaling up.

Why Manukora?

• Vibrant Culture : Join a lively team that stands by strong values and fosters an engaging workplace. They have planned All Team events every quarter and an annual two day retreat.
• Fast-Paced Environment : Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of a Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) business, making waves in global markets.
• Fuel Your Day : Enjoy complimentary food, honey and barista coffee to keep your energy flowing throughout the day!
• Well-being matters to Manukora : Enjoy health insurance coverage through Southern Cross and access to EAP services.

If you are interested in joining a fast-paced growing team where you can help make a positive impact, we would love to hear from you. Send your CV to or call Amy on at Asset Recruitment.

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