Area Manager - Woodprep and Projects

At Oji Fibre Solutions – Forest Resources (Kinleith Mill), our manufacturing operation is committed to the efficient and complete use of sustainably sourced virgin wood-fibre from renewable forestry resources.  We take pride in producing world-class market kraft pulps, which are used in a wide range of boards and specialty products around the world.

Are you an experienced engineer or production leader who thrives on leading people, improving plant performance, and delivering meaningful change? As our Area Manager Wood Preparation, you will combine operational leadership with project delivery, taking responsibility for the safety, reliability, and performance of a critical production area. An additional dimension to this role is identifying improvement opportunities and driving improvement projects from concept through to implementation across your area and the wider Production Business Unit.

This is a unique opportunity to influence both the day-to-day operation and the long-term future of one of New Zealand’s largest industrial manufacturing sites, working alongside skilled operators, tradespeople, and technical specialists to achieve outstanding business outcomes.

Utilising your leadership skills, you will coach and develop a diverse operational team, fostering a positive, accountable, and improvement-focused culture. Team members are encouraged to challenge “the way things have always been done,” contribute ideas, and take ownership of performance and safety outcomes.

What you will bring

• Proven leadership experience in a manufacturing, processing, or industrial environment.
• Degree in Engineering, Process Technology, trade qualification or equivalent.
• Continuous process and operations or heavy process industry experience.
• Project management experience
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in an operations management role, preferably in the pulp and paper or continuous processing industries

What we offer

• Competitive salary package
• Enhanced superannuation
• Regular Care Southern Cross medical insurance
• Income protection, permanent disability, and life insurance
• Free onsite Annual Health Checks

How to apply

If this role sounds like your next move, click APPLY, follow the prompts to complete an application form and attach your up-to-date covering letter and CV. Closing date 17 June 2026.

In accordance with Company policy, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a pre-employment medical examination, drug test and Ministry of Justice criminal history and right to work in New Zealand check.  Oji Fibre Solutions will meet these expenses.

Applicants must be either a NZ Citizen, Resident Visa holder or have the legal right to work in New Zealand.

We are actively looking to fill this role and encourage your early application. Applications are reviewed regularly, and we reserve the right to remove the advertisement before the advertised closing date.

Research shows that females and minority groups don’t always apply for roles unless they match 100% of the requirements. So, if this role is of interest but you feel you don’t quite fit, we encourage you to apply anyway. We are enriched by many nationalities, languages, religions, customs, and lifestyles. We are proud of our diversity and see it as one of the things that make us better together.

Apply now

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