Production Manager

This is a fabulous opportunity to join one of New Zealand’s most exciting premium food producers. 1839 Honey are not just about making honey — they’re crafting something extraordinary. Known for their world-class New Zealand mānuka honey, innovative triple-churned process and unwavering commitment to quality, they’re building a premium brand with global ambition.

We’re excited to be partnering with this innovative business as they continue to grow. We’re looking for an experienced Production Manager to lead day-to-day production, champion quality and food safety, and ensure every product leaving the factory meets the high standards 1839 Honey is known for.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the GM Commercial & Operations, this newly created role offers genuine ownership across production, food safety, quality and compliance.

You’ll lead the production team through the Factory Supervisor, ensuring production plans are delivered, people and processes are working effectively, and the factory operates safely and efficiently. You’ll also take ownership of the Risk Management Programme, audits and certifications, playing a key role in protecting the quality and reputation of this growing New Zealand brand.

Your First 30–60 Days

Great production leaders earn their insight on the floor. Your first 30–60 days will be spent around 80% on the factory floor and 20% at the desk, working alongside the team to truly understand our products, processes and people before shaping what comes next.

What You’ll Be Doing

Leading production, packing, filtering and warehouse operations to achieve output, efficiency and quality targets

Owning food safety, MPI compliance, the Risk Management Programme, audits, certifications and product release

Working closely alongside the Production Scheduler and Quality & Systems Administrator to strengthen and implement quality, RMP and audit processes

Ensuring product traceability, investigating non-conformances and driving corrective actions

Reviewing production plans and coordinating labour, capacity and resources to meet demand

Leading and developing the team, embedding strong health and safety practices, SOPs and training

Managing equipment maintenance and production costs while driving continuous improvement

About You

You’re a hands-on, standards-driven leader who takes pride in doing things properly. Comfortable on the factory floor, you know how to lead people, maintain high standards and balance daily production demands with quality and compliance requirements.

You’ll bring

At least five years’ experience in production, operations or quality leadership within food or beverage manufacturing

Hands-on experience with an MPI Risk Management Programme or equivalent food safety system, including audits and verifications

Strong knowledge of HACCP, traceability, product release and non-conformance management

Experience managing certifications and customer or export-market requirements

Proven people leadership skills and a practical, health and safety-first mindset

Confidence using production or inventory systems and data to improve performance

Experience with honey or Mānuka processing, UMF/MGO grading or continuous improvement methods would be an advantage.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

A newly created role with real ownership and room to make your mark

The opportunity to help grow a premium New Zealand brand with global ambition

A collaborative, passionate team who take pride in their product

* The chance to improve processes, develop people and make a tangible difference

1839 Honey is a fun, dynamic workplace where everyone pitches in. With a flat structure, can-do attitudes and a generous team spirit, you’ll be part of a business that values innovation, craftsmanship and people who genuinely care about what they do.

If you’re a production leader who enjoys building strong teams, upholding exceptional standards and being part of something special, we’d love to hear from you.

Sound like you? Apply now! Send through your CV and cover letter and tell us why you’d be a great fit for 1839 Honey.