Make Safety Part of Everyday Operations.
We're looking for a proactive Health & Safety Business Partner to join a global food manufacturing organisation and play a key role in strengthening safety systems, supporting operational leaders and embedding a positive safety culture across our New Zealand operations, with future support extending into Australia.
This is not a desk-based compliance role. We're looking for someone who enjoys working alongside Production, Operations and HR teams to create practical, fit-for-purpose safety solutions that make a genuine difference.
About the Role
Reporting directly to the HR Director, you'll partner with leaders across a 24/7 manufacturing operation of approximately 500 employees.
You'll be responsible for driving continuous improvement across Health & Safety, injury management and wellbeing while helping establish robust systems, onboarding programmes and safe ways of working.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Partnering with Production, Operations and HR leaders to embed a proactive Health & Safety culture.
- Developing and strengthening Health & Safety systems, procedures and working instructions.
- Leading hazard identification, risk assessments and incident investigations.
- Driving corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Supporting onboarding, inductions and production safety programmes.
- Managing Health & Safety reporting and providing meaningful insights to leadership.
- Coordinating injury management, ACC processes and return-to-work programmes.
- Supporting supplier audits and ensuring compliance with New Zealand Health & Safety legislation.
- Enhancing employee wellbeing initiatives and promoting a culture where safety is everyone's responsibility.
- Providing future Health & Safety support to the Australian operation as the business continues to grow.
We're looking for someone who enjoys partnering with people, coaching leaders and finding practical solutions that work in real manufacturing environments.
You'll ideally bring:
- 3-5+ years' experience in a Health & Safety Business Partner, Senior Health & Safety Advisor or similar position.
- Strong experience within food manufacturing, FMCG, meat processing, dairy, beverage manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing or another high-risk production environment.
- Experience working within 24/7 manufacturing or multi-shift operations.
- A solid understanding of New Zealand Health & Safety legislation.
- Experience establishing or improving Health & Safety management systems.
- Strong incident investigation and risk management experience.
- Knowledge of ACC and injury management processes.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Confidence influencing leaders at all levels of the business.
- Relevant Health & Safety qualifications.
- Food manufacturing or export food production.
- Businesses with strong Food Safety and Quality Management Systems.
- ISO 45001 or integrated management systems.
- Behaviour-based safety programmes.
- Continuous Improvement or Lean Manufacturing environments.
- Multi-site manufacturing operations.
- Join a well-established international food manufacturer with exciting growth plans.
- Take ownership of Health & Safety and help shape the future of the function.
- Work closely with experienced operational and HR leaders who value collaboration.
- Make a genuine impact on employee safety, wellbeing and organisational culture.
- Enjoy a varied, hands-on role
- Competitive salary of $120,000 - $130,000,
- Future opportunity to support operations across New Zealand and Australia.
Whether your background is in food manufacturing, dairy, meat processing, FMCG, beverage production or another high-risk manufacturing environment, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact within a business that genuinely values its people and its safety culture.
Apply now or contact Nikita for a confidential discussion.
