General Manager - Food Manufacturing

Are you ready to lead a specialist gluten-free food manufacturing operation based in Christchurch? We are looking for a dynamic General Manager - Food Manufacturing to spearhead our mission to be the number one supplier of gluten free baked products in New Zealand and Australasia. 

We have an opportunity for a proven leader who:

• Has excellent operational and commercial skills 
• Has a desire to take-up shares in a food manufacturing company,
• Is excited by the opportunity to lead and grow a business. 

We are looking for a person who has an entrepreneurial mindset and is passionate about the food industry to help us achieve our goals and take our business into the future.

About Us: Gluten Free Choice is a specialist Gluten Free (GF) Bakery based in Wigram. Our Pavillion brand is sold in over 300 supermarkets throughout New Zealand. We supply GF Pizza bases to a major Pizza chain in Australia and New Zealand, & contract bake GF products for leading NZ brands. We are committed to delivering high-quality products to specification in an environment based on the highest standards of food safety and staff wellbeing.

Role Overview: As the General Manager of our operation, you will partner with the Managing Director and Advisory Board and play a pivotal role in the success of our operation. 

Your responsibilities will include:

1. Strategic Leadership: Work with the Managing Director and Advisory Board to develop and execute strategies to drive the annual growth and profitability of our gluten-free food manufacturing business.
2. Sales and Marketing: Develop and implement detailed strategic sales and marketing plans to meet growth expectations.
3. Operations Management: Oversee manufacturing and distribution operations to ensure safety, quality and supply standards are met. Ensure DIFOT targets are achieved, and business processes are optimised to align with strategic priorities.
4. Financial Management: Focus on developing budgets and forecasts and managing operational costs.
5. Leadership: Build and lead high-performing teams through effective leadership, role modelling and team development, fostering a culture of respect, innovation, and continuous improvement.
6. Quality Assurance: Maintain rigorous quality control measures to ensure that our products consistently surpass the relevant food safety standards and customer audit requirements, whilst being great tasting and healthy.
7. Health Safety & Wellbeing – Foster a culture of safety where people work together and speak up to ensure a safe and healthy workplace.

Requirements:

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate and develop teams.
• Entrepreneur mindset including experience bringing products to market
• Proven experience in an operational management role within the food manufacturing or similar industry.
• Passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence.
• Thorough understanding of production processes, quality control, continuous improvement principles and regulatory requirements including BRC, Food Control Plans or similar food safety standards.
• Strong commercial and financial management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to leading and ensuring a safe and healthy workplace
• Experience working with gluten-free or allergen-friendly products would be an advantage.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to lead a growth focused business.
• Potential future ownership opportunities
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Make a meaningful impact on the lives of consumers with dietary restrictions.

If you are a visionary leader with a passion for food manufacturing and a commitment to excellence, we want to hear from you!

Apply now to join us on this exciting journey. For more information or a confidential discussion, please contact Carole Peterson (027) 600 44 48