Plant Operator

Plant Operator – Daiken Southland Ltd, Mataura

Join Daiken Southland Limited Team

Daiken Southland Limited operates a Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) manufacturing facility in Mataura, producing high-quality panel products that are recognised and trusted worldwide. Our success is built on the dedication, expertise, and commitment of our people.

Why Join Daiken?

When you join Daiken Southland, you are not just stepping into a job. You are joining a supportive, safety-focused and improvement-driven workplace where your contribution is valued.

We offer

• A competitive pay and benefits package, including generous superannuation
• Subsidised medical cover for you and your family
• Life insurance and income protection
• A wellness allowance that can support activities such as gym membership or club fees
• Ongoing training and development
• A rotating roster of two days, two nights, followed by four days off
• The Role
• As an MDF Technician, you will play a critical role in the safe and efficient operation of our 24/7 production facility.
• Working across production, maintenance and product packaging, you will help the team achieve its production, quality, safety and plant reliability goals.

Your responsibilities will include

• Operating plant and equipment safely, efficiently and to the required standards
• Following production schedules and helping achieve production and quality targets
• Completing board testing, production documentation and shift handovers accurately
• Responding to plant issues and breakdowns and escalating issues when required
• Completing planned maintenance work
• Contributing ideas for continuous improvement
• Working collaboratively with Lead Technicians, contractors and other team members
• What We’re Looking For
• We are looking for someone who takes pride in their work, communicates well and enjoys contributing to a team environment.

Ideally, you will bring

Experience in a continuous-process manufacturing environment

A high-school qualification or equivalent trade certificate

A practical understanding of process control, specialist equipment and safe work practices

Strong communication, organisation and problem-solving skills

Reliability, attention to detail and the ability to complete clear documentation

A team-focused attitude and a willingness to learn and improve

A strong commitment to health and safety

A Certificate or Diploma in Wood Panels Manufacturing would be advantageous.

This role involves working in an industrial environment that includes manual tasks, noise, dust, moving machinery, heights and confined spaces.

At Daiken Southland, safety is not simply a box we tick. It is central to everything we do.

Applications & Eligibility

If this opportunity sounds like the next step in your career, we'd love to hear from you.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may commence before the closing date. We reserve the right to close the advertisement early and appoint a successful candidate should we find the right fit, so we encourage interested applicants to apply without delay.

Applicants must be New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, or hold a valid New Zealand work visa.