Production Management Trainee

Position Title: Production Management Trainee

Position Type: Regular - Full-Time

Requisition ID: 41441

In every role, McCainers are ambitious, curious, and passionate about creating exceptional work experiences - together. With a customer-first mindset, we make doing business with McCain easy.

About The Role.

Are you ready to launch a remarkable manufacturing leadership career? McCain Foods’ Production Management Trainee (PMT) Program in Timaru is a dynamic, two-year accelerated program designed to develop your technical expertise, business understanding, and leadership capability. Graduates of the PMT program become McCain’s future operations leaders.

Key Program Highlights.

• Structured Rotational Program: Gain immersive, hands-on experience across all manufacturing process areas - “farm to fork.”
• Mentoring & Networking: Learn from senior leaders and skilled experts within manufacturing, plant operations, quality, engineering, warehousing, and more.
• Continuous Learning: Blend formal training, self-directed study, and on-the-job experiences.

What You'll Do.

• Observe experienced staff and gain knowledge about processes, procedures, methods, and standards that are required for performing a supervisory role within each of the program focus areas
• Complete the structured progression plan and required assignments, including on-the-job training, mentorship, self-guided learning, training courses, and applied learning experiences through rotational assignments within the manufacturing process
• Organise and lead teams including scheduling, safety, and daily operations.
• Lead or support project management initiatives for productivity and process improvement.
• Take a lead role in safety initiatives and drive towards zero incidents.
• Build experiences and projects to enhance learning and knowledge transfer.
• Apply principles of Lean Manufacturing and McCain Driving Impact (MDI).
• Regularly participate in statistical process control and data management.
• Actively contribute to our culture of continuous improvement.

What You'll Need To Succeed.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, Food Sciences, Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Interest in manufacturing, operations, engineering, food safety/food quality and/or health and safety in a manufacturing setting
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Adaptable team player with a collaborative mindset and openness to change.
• Ability to lead, influence, and motivate cross-functional teams.
• Understanding of Lean principles, statistical process control, and project management best practices.
• Strong organisational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Flexibility to work rotating shifts and willingness to relocate for future leadership opportunities within McCain Foods.
• Multicultural awareness and ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
• Willingness to travel for rotational assignments or training as required.

Benefits.

• Fully subsidised Health Insurance, Income Protection, Life, and Critical Illness Insurance policies
• Opportunity to be part of a global iconic brand
• Strong focus on health and safety in the workplace
• Employee & Family Assistance Program, Education Assistance Programs
• Matched KiwiSaver contribution up to 4%

Why Join McCain?

• A supportive, team-based environment in Timaru
• Accelerated career path with global development opportunities
• Inclusive culture focused on safety, growth, and making a difference—every day

About The Team.

The PMT will be part of the operations team at the manufacturing facility, working directly with Plant Leaders. The plant provides a supportive team that will encourage you to do your best and provides a safe and flexible working environment that promotes work/life balance.

About McCain.

Click Here to learn more about McCain and how we provide you with opportunities to make an impact that matters.

Leadership Principles.

At McCain, our leadership principles guide how we engage with customers, collaborate as a team, and achieve success. We focus on understanding customer needs, driving innovation, empowering people, and taking ownership to clear obstacles and deliver results.

The McCain Experience.

We are McCain. This statement is a testament to our collective strength and our individual value. Your contributions play a vital role in our success. Our winning culture is rooted in authenticity and trust, empowering us to bring out the best in one another. Here, you’ll find opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Join us and experience why we’re better together.

McCain Foods is an equal opportunity employer. As a global family-owned company, we strive to be the employer of choice in the diverse communities around the world in which we live and work. We recognize that inclusion drives our creativity, resilience, and success and makes our business stronger. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

McCain is an accessible employer. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials or accessible meeting rooms), please let us know and we will work with you to find appropriate solutions.

Your privacy is important to us. By submitting personal data or information to us, you agree this will be handled in accordance with McCain’s Global Privacy Policy and Global Employee Privacy Policy , as applicable. McCain leverages AI in the hiring process, though all final decisions are made by humans. You can understand our approach to AI and how your personal information is being handled here .

Job Family: Manufacturing; Engineering & Technical; Student & Graduates; Supply Chain & Logistics

Division: ANZ

Department: Timaru Potato Production

Location(s): NZ - New Zealand : Canterbury : Timaru

Company: McCain Foods (NZ) Limited