Te Tūranga/About the Role
Finegand is the largest and one of the most complex sites in the Silver Fern Farms network – a multi-species operation employing over 1,200 people at peak season.
We’re looking for an Assistant Site Manager who can balance operational excellence with genuine people leadership. This is a senior leadership position where you’ll play a pivotal role in ensuring the site operates safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.
You’ll work closely with the Site Manager to lead operations across all departments and shifts, making sure daily production runs smoothly while also contributing to the site’s longer-term strategy. When the Site Manager is away, you’ll step into their shoes and take full responsibility for leading the site.
It’s a role for someone who thrives on variety – we process sheep, beef and calves so one moment you might be working alongside department leaders to fine-tune production, the next you could be leading a major improvement initiative or making key decisions that shape the future of the site. Above all, you’ll be a visible leader who connects easily with people at every level, building trust and fostering a strong, values-driven culture.
Te Mahi /Key Responsibilities
- Lead, support, and develop department leaders to get the best out of their people and themselves.
- Oversee daily operations across multiple species and shifts, ensuring targets, KPIs, and quality standards are consistently met.
- Keep health, safety, and sustainability front of mind for yourself, your team, and the whole site.
- Drive continuous improvement and innovation in processes and performance.
- Work alongside the Site Manager on strategic projects, infrastructure upgrades, and operational developments.
Ōu Pūkenga /About You
You’re an experienced leader who can see the big picture while staying connected to what’s happening on the floor. You know that delivering great results starts with people – building capability, setting clear expectations, and creating an environment where teams can thrive.
You bring a proven track record in leading large teams in complex, high-paced operations, ideally in manufacturing, food processing, or a related industry. You’re confident making decisions, managing competing priorities, and keeping production running smoothly, without losing sight of safety, quality, and sustainability.
You’ll have the professional credibility to work at a senior level, coupled with the ability to connect easily with people across all parts of the site. You’re a clear communicator, a problem-solver, and someone who follows through on what they say.
Te Ahurea /Why work at Silver Fern Farms?
Silver Fern Farms are all about Creating Goodness from the Farms the World Needs. Creating goodness is about taking a broader view of what goodness means, how we can create it and the impact it can have. That Goodness is created through the work of our People, the skill & expertise of our Farmers and our customers around the globe. ‘Goodness’ is also about being good to people and communities, animal welfare, and showing care and respect for the environment.
For you, we offer heavily discounted staff meat sales through our on site Butcher's Block, paid sick leave from the date of employment (no waiting for the 6 month anniversary required), and confidential employee assistance with career planning, financial advice and counselling. There’s the added bonus of free on-site parking and a SFF branded clothing allowance also.
Tono Mai /To Apply:
submit your application. We assess applications as they are received so don’t delay.
Silver Fern Farms welcomes people from all backgrounds and walks of life. We are proud to have a diverse and inclusive environment and are committed to providing equal opportunities for all team members and applicants. Come and create goodness together with us.