Area Manager

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.

We are seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead a critical operational area within our Kinleith Mill, driving strong health and safety outcomes, reliable plant performance, and engaged, high-performing teams. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in a complex 24/7 manufacturing environment and is motivated by continuous improvement, financial performance, operational excellence, and developing people.

As Area Manager, you will be accountable for leading a strong health and safety culture across the area, ensuring full compliance with Health and Safety policies and procedures and reinforcing safe behaviours through visible leadership and accountability. Delivering production outputs that consistently meet quality, customer, and operational targets. Including analysing performance data, identifying trends, and implementing corrective actions to drive continuous improvement and optimise operational 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
• Pulp & Paper process and operations or heavy process industry experience
• Computer proficient
• 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 7 February 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.