Extrusion Operator - Pet Food; Overseas

About the Job:

Extrusion Operators (Pet Food Manufacturing)

Location:

Te Puke, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand (Overseas/On-site)

Full-time | Shift work (as rostered)

As an Extrusion Operator, you will operate and monitor our pet food production lines—extrusion as your primary line, with support across batching, loading, and packing. You will help produce safe, high-quality products at planned output rates by following SOPs, GMP/HACCP, and Health & Safety requirements. This role is hands-on and focused on routine plant operation, in-process checks, accurate records, basic equipment care, and housekeeping.

• Run routine start-ups, changeovers, operations, and shutdowns on assigned lines (extrusion primary; batching/loading/packing as trained), using SOPs and checklists.
• Monitor process parameters (e.g.,
  temperature, moisture, pressure, speed, weights, metal detector checks
  ) and make routine SOP-approved adjustments within limits;
  escalate non-routine changes to the Production Lead / Shift Supervisor.
• Maintain steady material flow and correct batch/recipe sequencing from raw materials through to finished goods.
• Weigh/measure and load ingredients, premixes, and packaging materials based on issued formulations, pick lists, and work orders.
• Operate batching automation and/or manual batching steps as trained, ensuring correct sequencing and traceability.
• Move raw materials, WIP, and finished goods between areas using pallet jacks or forklifts (if licensed and authorised).
• Support packing and palletising: cartons, pallet stacking, labeling, and pallet wrap to standard.
• Coordinate with Warehouse/Logistics to prevent line stoppages and support efficient changeovers (flushing/cleaning steps + documentation).

• Perform in-process checks on shape, size, color, density, texture, coating coverage, pack seals, coding/expiry
  , confirming products meet standards.
• Complete inline checks (metal detector challenges, weight checks, seal integrity, code legibility) and record accurately.
• Collect samples as required and coordinate with QA; follow QA/Lead instructions for routine corrections and rework.
• Report and escalate non-conformities, foreign matter risks, mislabeling, or abnormal readings immediately; follow segregation/hold/rework instructions.

• Perform operator care only: cleaning, pre-start checks, visual inspections, and simple adjustments within training scope (technical repairs handled by Maintenance).
• Complete pre-start checks (guards, e-stops, sensors, foreign body controls) and report issues before production.
• Maintain clean, orderly, pest-safe areas in line with GMP/HACCP, allergen control, and 5S
  .
• Report equipment faults/noise/vibration promptly; assist during minor stoppages and restart as directed.

• Follow company H&S policies and the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
  .
• Use PPE correctly and follow LOTO, guarding, confined space, and other line-specific safety procedures.
• Stop work for unsafe conditions and report immediately.
• Report hazards/near misses/incidents and participate in corrective/preventive actions.
• Follow food safety, hygiene, allergen, and contamination-control procedures aligned with GMP/HACCP and customer/market requirements.

• Record outputs, downtime, CCP/parameter logs, metal detector checks, weight checks, cleaning records, and traceability forms accurately and on time.
• Work closely with Operators, QA, Warehouse, and Supervisors to maintain smooth handovers and meet output targets.
• Participate in shift handovers (issues, actions, holds, upcoming changeovers).

• Support other tasks as assigned to meet changing operational needs.

• Graduate of Engineering course preferred.

• Experience in extrusion machines in food, pet food, or FMCG manufacturing preferred.
• Minimum 3 years extrusion experience.
• Forklift licence is an advantage (must be licensed and authorised to operate onsite).

• Be part of a growing pet food manufacturing operation in Te Puke, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
  .
• Work in a safety- and quality-driven environment with clear SOPs and training support.
• Stable, hands-on role with exposure across multiple production lines.