We have a unique opportunity for an accomplished manufacturing leader to step into a role where passion meets precision. As the Head of Production at Whittaker’s, you will be the driving force behind our daily manufacturing operations, ensuring every bar of chocolate reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence. This is more than a management position; it’s a chance to lead a dedicated team, optimize world-class production lines, and directly shape the future of New Zealand’s most beloved chocolate brand.
Company Overview
Whittaker’s is a proudly Kiwi, family-owned company that has become a household name through a simple, powerful belief: the best is always better. We are guardians of a legacy built on quality, integrity, and the craft of making good, honest chocolate. Our team is our greatest ingredient, working together in a high-tech, fast-paced environment where innovation and teamwork are valued above all. Joining us means becoming part of a story that New Zealanders have trusted for generations.
Key Responsibilities
In this senior leadership role, you will oversee all aspects of our production environment, with a focus on safety, quality, and continuous improvement. Your core responsibilities will include:
- Providing strategic and day-to-day leadership to our production team, fostering a culture of high performance, accountability, and development.
- Developing and delivering efficient production schedules that meet business demands while upholding the highest standards of quality and food safety.
- Championing lean manufacturing and operational excellence initiatives to drive efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize our production processes.
- Ensuring full compliance with all health, safety, and regulatory standards across the manufacturing floor.
- Collaborating closely with the Chief Manufacturing Officer and cross-functional teams including Engineering, Quality Assurance, and Supply Chain to execute our production strategy.
- Managing operational budgets, analyzing production data, and implementing solutions to enhance productivity and commercial outcomes.
- Leading and mentoring your leadership team, building capability and nurturing the next generation of talent within our operations.
Qualifications
We are seeking a strategic leader with a proven track record in complex manufacturing environments. The ideal candidate will possess:
- A minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience within high-volume manufacturing, ideally in the FMCG or food production sector, including experience managing teams of 50 or more.
- A relevant tertiary qualification in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related technical field.
- Demonstrated expertise in applying lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies with measurable results.
- Exceptional people leadership skills, with a genuine passion for coaching, developing teams, and building a positive, high-performance culture.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, cost control, and performance analytics.
- Outstanding communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels and collaborate effectively across departments.
- A resilient, solutions-focused mindset, capable of agile decision-making in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Benefits and Perks
This role is a cornerstone of our leadership team and comes with significant rewards, including:
- A competitive executive remuneration package that recognizes your experience and impact.
- Salary Ranges 18$ per hr depends on experience
- The privilege of leading within a iconic, family-owned New Zealand business with a stellar global reputation.
- Access to cutting-edge manufacturing technology and a high-tech FMCG environment.
- Genuine opportunities for career growth and development within a supportive, values-led culture.
- Being part of a team that is genuinely passionate about its craft and proud of the product it makes.
How to Apply
If you are ready to lead with purpose and contribute to a sweet legacy, we encourage you to apply.
Please submit your current CV and a detailed cover letter outlining your relevant experience and leadership philosophy through our official application portal. Please note that to be considered for this role, you must hold existing legal rights to work in New Zealand.
We look forward to discovering how your expertise can help us craft the next chapter of chocolate history.
