The Company
At Raglan Food Co we set out to lift the vibe on plant-based eating!  

So, we’ve set out to create delicious plant-based options of the foods you know and love, with great taste and texture, and high quality, simple “clean” labelling.

We want to inspire a healthier, happier humankind who have a positive impact on the planet through their food choices. 
  
Raglan Food Co is built on a strong ethical and sustainable ethos.  Our products use the highest quality ingredients and strive to be as simple and “clean” nutritionally as possible, while also not compromising on taste.

We have been widely recognised and awarded for our sustainability efforts and hold accreditations including being a Certified B Corporation and Toitū Carbon Zero organisation.  We undertake a number of impact initiatives each year to support our local community.
  
The Raglan Food Co brand is the leader in dairy-free yoghurt in NZ grocery, with strong national distribution. 

  
The Opportunity
As Head of Operations & Technical, you will possess a blend of leadership skills, technical expertise, and strategic thinking to ensure the efficient and effective operation of our plant, operations & technical agenda.
  
You will lead and manage all aspects of production, driving continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards, and fostering a culture of teamwork and excellence among plant personnel. As the Head of Operations & Technical, you will drive efficiency, optimise processes, and ensure the highest levels of quality and customer satisfaction.
  
As Head of Operations & Technical, you will lead the Operations, Food technology, and Quality management programmes for the business, working closely with the CEO and other leadership team members. With your strong technical, manufacturing & commercial acumen, you will play an active role in realising the growth ambitions in New Zealand and beyond. 
  
This position is crucial to the ongoing success and growth of the Raglan Food Co, as it involves overseeing all aspects of operations and manufacturing functions leading the largest group of team members in the business.  As such your proven track record of strategic thinking, operational excellence, and team leadership will ensure your success in this critical leadership role.

Key deliverables:

• Provide strong leadership and guidance to operations & technical personnel, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Develop/ implement strategic plans and initiatives to achieve company objectives and drive growth.
• Collaborate with CEO, leadership team & board to align operations or manufacturing strategies with overall business goals. Identify future capital investment requirements, process improvement, cost reduction, and operational efficiency enhancement.
• Effectively work cross-functionally with a collaborative, team-worker approach across all facets of the business, living the values of Raglan Food Co
• Oversee all aspects of operations or manufacturing, including production planning, scheduling, and execution. Ensures that the plant is running reliably efficiently & safely end to end. 
• Identifies opportunities to optimise & improve the production operations & processes.  Implement best practices and standardized processes to streamline operations and enhance productivity.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, reduce waste, and increase profitability.
• Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers/ vendors to secure favourable terms and pricing.
• Identify opportunities to improve supply chain/logistics efficiency and reduce costs while maintaining quality standards.
• Build and execute a product development program for plant-based grocery products.    Successfully commercialise new products and processes, and provide ongoing technical support to their manufacture
• Develop, manage & optimise the operations budget, including labour, raw materials, and overhead costs.  Identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements to optimize operational efficiency.  Monitor expenses and implement cost-control measures to achieve budgetary targets.
• Develop recommendations on capital investments (CAPEX), manage capital expenditure within agreed budgets & governance criteria
• Support the CEO in presenting and sharing progress with the Board, seeking approvals where necessary for investment opportunities

What’s in it for you…
This is a unique opportunity to join a successful, high-growth NZ brand that believes running a good business is also a tool for doing good. Raglan Food Co believes in lifting the vibe of plant-based foods for a better future. Awards include Winner of the Gourmet Food Award, Social and Environmental Sustainability Award, Outstanding Sustainability Champion Award and MPI Supreme Employer Award. The company is one of few that has Climate Positive Certification and is a Certified B Corporation.
  
You will take on a critical leadership role that will allow you to truly impact the performance and success of the business. This role is a great opportunity in a genuine leadership role where you will be able (and expected) to make an impact on the performance and ongoing success of the business.
  
Your considerable and impressive operational/manufacturing and people leadership experience (ideally with experience in the Food sector) and demonstrable experience in delivering achievements and improvements will ensure your success in leading a significant site and ensure that the business is fit for the future through the delivery of a thriving, productive and sustainable Operations function.

You will be leading a team of six direct reports (and an overall team of 35) so you will thrive best in an environment where you can demonstrate your hands-on style and also contribute to Continuous Improvement initiatives, optimisation and the strategic direction of the operations and overall business.
  
You will be based in a pretty flash 1500m2 purpose-built factory just on the outskirts of Raglan where we send our yoghurts & kefirs all over the globe. Embrace the relaxed lifestyle which we live and breathe here in Raglan. The ideal place for young families, parents with kids who have left home, or anyone looking to live a slower pace and take in the beautiful natural surroundings of our piece of paradise. You will benefit from a senior leadership role where you can make a difference.

You will be working with like-minded people committed to authenticity, care and excellence while benefitting from living in (or near) one of the most beautiful places on earth A unique natural landscape. Surrounded by water and bush and watched over by the majestic Mount Karioi Raglan offers a breathtaking view from every corner. With three surf beaches and a beautiful natural harbour, famous surf breaks, arts and crafts, fashion, cafes, and restaurants: Raglan truly offers an enviable lifestyle.

If you have the skills and attributes we are looking for and want to grow and develop your career in a key role as part of the company behind one of New Zealand’s favourite brands, we would love to hear from you.
  
If this opportunity is of interest, please submit your CV by following the link below. If you’d like to find out more and for a confidential discussion, please call Wayne Fry on 021 656 502 or email waynef@huntercampbell.co.nz
  
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