Site Operations Manager

We're searching for a collaborative, experienced leader with a proven track record in managing complex food and/or beverage manufacturing sites to step into the pivotal role of Site Operations Manager. Reporting directly to our Operations & Supply Chain Director, this senior leadership position sits within our Senior Management Group and is based at our iconic Papakura manufacturing plant in South Auckland.

Here at Griffin's snacks, we're part of the Intersnack Group, a global snack food leader operating in over 30 countries. However, whilst internationally owned, we manufacture locally and proudly produce some of New Zealand's favourite snack brands - including Griffin's, Huntley & Palmers, ETA, Nice & Natural, Snackachangi and Proper Crisps.

This is an exciting opportunity for a results-driven site leader with a passion for employee engagement. You'll play a key role in shaping the long-term strategic vision for the Papakura site, while also leading day-to-day operations with a hands-on approach. A critical part of your remit will be driving our Integrated Work Systems (IWS) continuous improvement programme — developing and implementing the roadmap for a full site transition and fostering a culture that enables success across the business.

Operating 24/5 across six production lines, Papakura is our largest and most complex site, offering a rare opportunity for a seasoned leader to make a lasting impact. You'll be responsible for the effective management, improvement, and development of the plant — ensuring we safely meet demand at the highest levels of productivity, quality, and profitability. Most importantly, you'll take our 320+ employees on the journey with you, inspiring and empowering them every step of the way.

What you'll be responsible for

• Partner with the Operations & Supply Chain Director to shape and manage annual operating and capital budgets, ensuring alignment with long-term business strategy
• Lead, inspire, and develop a team of four direct reports — driving recruitment, performance management, coaching, and employee engagement
• Champion the transition to IWS ways of working, creating and executing roadmaps that embed culture change and foster site-wide engagement
• Design and deliver a rolling five-year capital plan that supports and advances strategic business goals
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the business, providing strategic leadership and operational support to achieve key objectives
• Ensure manufacturing processes remain cost-effective, compliant with quality standards, and aligned with production schedules and regulatory requirements
• Monitor and control expenditures, implementing corrective measures to maintain budget discipline
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, focusing on waste elimination and efficiency gains to deliver year-on-year savings

What you'll bring to the role…

• Site management experience of a large food or beverage manufacturing site is required
• A tertiary qualification in Operations Management or a relevant trade certification.
• Strong leadership credentials — you lead from the front, inspire daily, and influence effectively when driving change and improvement agendas
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to negotiate and influence at all levels
• Strategic vision coupled with a hands-on approach when required
• Demonstrated expertise in financial feasibility analysis, business case development, and budget creation
• Commercial acumen with the ability to make sound, data-driven decisions
• Agility in fast-paced environments — confident in thinking on your feet and owning decisions
• A self-motivated, positive, and solutions-focused mindset — challenges are opportunities, never problems

What can you expect in return? In addition to having plenty of snacks on hand in the workplace, you can expect to be part of a supportive working environment where you'll feel engaged and valued, career growth opportunities, commitment to our community partnerships and a focus on health and wellness to make your workplace more enjoyable – including Birthday leave and Wellbeing & Volunteer Days

If you have the experience we are looking for and you're keen to be part of an internationally owned but locally operated company creating happy snacking moments every day, we'd love to hear from you Please apply directly online (and note the details below).

At Griffin's Snack's, we value giving our teams the chance to rest and recharge after a busy year. To support this, both our Head Office and Manufacturing sites will be closed for a short period over the festive season. We'll be working to review applications and provide you an update as soon as possible, however in some instances this may not be until early in the New Year. We appreciate your patience and understanding and wish you a safe and relaxing festive season

*Our application process includes a second Job Specific Application Form to help support your job application. You will see this on the next screen if applying directly on our job board -

If applying via Seek or mobile, this will be emailed to you within an hour of receiving your application. To receive updates please ensure you enter the correct email address and check your inbox (including the spam/junk folder) for Job Application Form and Updates. Email updates are sent via our recruitment software, Chilli Factor.*