General Manager - Operations
Lead the operational engine behind one of New Zealand's most ambitious and innovative food manufacturing businesses
- Take ownership of a complex manufacturing operation during a period of growth
- Drive continuous improvement, capacity expansion and operational excellence
- Be part of a business where purpose, people and performance go hand in hand
If you thrive on solving operational challenges, leading people through growth and building high-performing manufacturing environments, this is a rare opportunity to influence the future direction of a business with significant ambitions.
About The Pure Food Co
The Pure Food Co develops and manufactures specialised, innovative food solutions that are supplied throughout hospitals, aged care facilities and healthcare providers across New Zealand and Australia. Operating in an environment where quality, consistency and reliability are critical, the business plays an important role in supporting the health and wellbeing of thousands of people every day. The work matters, and so does getting it right.
The business has grown significantly over recent years, with their values of ‘we care, we innovate, and we deliver at their core, and continues to invest heavily in its people, systems and manufacturing capability. Right now, they are focused on the next stage of growth, where there is a need to increase capacity, integrate new equipment and continuously build a high-performing manufacturing operation.
The role
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will lead the manufacturing operations of the business, including Production, Warehouse & Distribution, Maintenance, Compliance, and ensuring the safety of everyone on site. This is a role that requires manufacturing leadership, combined with commercial nous that you can bring to the leadership table as the operational manufacturing expert.
You'll inherit a solid operation, but there is still plenty to build. Growth continues to place pressure on space, utilities, equipment, logistics and people - it’s a fast paced environment where you need to quickly identify priorities, make sound decisions, and ensure the business continues to deliver.
Key areas of responsibility include:
You are an experienced operational leader who has led people through growth, complexity and change. You understand manufacturing environments where there are competing priorities, constant challenges and no shortage of decisions to make. You bring calm judgement, commercial thinking and the ability to execute. Most importantly, you are the type of leader people choose to follow.
You know the importance of being visible. You enjoy spending time on the floor, understanding what is happening across the operation, and building credibility through action rather than hierarchy.
We're interested in people who can demonstrate:
This is a rare opportunity to join a successful New Zealand business at an exciting stage of its journey. The foundations are in place, the ambition is clear, and this role is about continuous improvement and delivering on growth.
You'll work alongside founders and leaders who care deeply about the business, have the freedom to influence how operations evolve, and play a critical role in scaling a company that is making a meaningful impact on people's lives every day.
If this sounds like your ideal role, and you have the experience to bring to the leadership table, apply today.
About The Pure Food Co
The Pure Food Co develops and manufactures specialised, innovative food solutions that are supplied throughout hospitals, aged care facilities and healthcare providers across New Zealand and Australia. Operating in an environment where quality, consistency and reliability are critical, the business plays an important role in supporting the health and wellbeing of thousands of people every day. The work matters, and so does getting it right.
The business has grown significantly over recent years, with their values of ‘we care, we innovate, and we deliver at their core, and continues to invest heavily in its people, systems and manufacturing capability. Right now, they are focused on the next stage of growth, where there is a need to increase capacity, integrate new equipment and continuously build a high-performing manufacturing operation.
The role
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will lead the manufacturing operations of the business, including Production, Warehouse & Distribution, Maintenance, Compliance, and ensuring the safety of everyone on site. This is a role that requires manufacturing leadership, combined with commercial nous that you can bring to the leadership table as the operational manufacturing expert.
You'll inherit a solid operation, but there is still plenty to build. Growth continues to place pressure on space, utilities, equipment, logistics and people - it’s a fast paced environment where you need to quickly identify priorities, make sound decisions, and ensure the business continues to deliver.
Key areas of responsibility include:
- Leading and developing a team of operational leaders across production, warehousing, maintenance, compliance and Health & Safety, and ultimately responsible for a team of 40.
- Driving a high-performance, high-agency culture where accountability, ownership and continuous improvement are part of everyday operations.
- Leading Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives that improve efficiency, quality and throughput.
- Supporting significant capital investment projects, including equipment selection, supplier engagement and implementation.
- Managing operational constraints and identifying practical solutions to support future growth.
- Working closely with the leadership team on supply chain, procurement and operational planning.
- Overseeing food safety, quality, health and safety, environmental and compliance requirements.
- Ensuring operational performance, cost management and service delivery remain aligned with commercial objectives.
- Building capability across the leadership team through coaching, development and succession planning.
You are an experienced operational leader who has led people through growth, complexity and change. You understand manufacturing environments where there are competing priorities, constant challenges and no shortage of decisions to make. You bring calm judgement, commercial thinking and the ability to execute. Most importantly, you are the type of leader people choose to follow.
You know the importance of being visible. You enjoy spending time on the floor, understanding what is happening across the operation, and building credibility through action rather than hierarchy.
We're interested in people who can demonstrate:
- Senior operations leadership experience within manufacturing, food, beverage, pharmaceutical or similarly complex production environments.
- Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement capability.
- Experience leading leaders and building high-performing teams.
- Commercial acumen and the ability to balance operational decisions with business outcomes.
- Exposure to capital projects, plant expansion, equipment investment or capacity planning.
- Experience managing competing priorities across production, quality, maintenance, supply chain and people.
- An understanding of expanding manufacturing operations - such as moving to 7 day shifts.
- A practical, hands-on leadership style with a genuine interest in developing people.
This is a rare opportunity to join a successful New Zealand business at an exciting stage of its journey. The foundations are in place, the ambition is clear, and this role is about continuous improvement and delivering on growth.
You'll work alongside founders and leaders who care deeply about the business, have the freedom to influence how operations evolve, and play a critical role in scaling a company that is making a meaningful impact on people's lives every day.
If this sounds like your ideal role, and you have the experience to bring to the leadership table, apply today.