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Full time

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On Site

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Kawerau , New Zealand

Essity Australasia is a leading consumer care and hygiene solutions company, manufacturing and marketing a number of market leading brands including Sorbent, Purex, Handee Ultra, Libra, Tork and TENA.  Essity’s purpose is to make it easier for hygiene, health and well-being to be part of everyday life. 

Are you looking for a new challenge in a fast-paced and dynamic environment with state-of-the-art equipment? Do you have a passion for sustainability and recyclable material? Join our team as a Process Engineering - Packaging and help us create better products for our customers and the environment.

About the role   

As a Process Engineer, you will ensure our processes and equipment perform safely, efficiently, and cost effectively while meeting current and future business needs. You’ll drive stronger process control through effective ‑centre lining‑, improving quality, productivity, and overall manufacturing performance.

You will also provide technical leadership for all packaging materials and print graphics, ensuring specifications, compliance, and development activities meet high standards for product quality, cost, environmental performance, and legal requirements.

We’re proud to be one of the first manufacturers in NZ to be using recycled materials in our packaging and do this with state-of-the-art equipment in our Converting factory with more equipment on its way.

What you will Do  

  • Ensure production processes and equipment operate safely, efficiently, and cost‑effectively, while developing plans to meet short‑, medium‑ and long‑term business needs.
  • Strengthen process control by centre‑lining key variables, leading continuous improvement to enhance quality, productivity, and overall manufacturing performance.
  • Lead equipment strategies including operating methods, reliability improvement, stability, and upgrade planning using strong root‑cause analysis and evidence‑based investigation techniques.
  • Collaborate closely with the Converting Manager, RST Process Engineers, internal functions, and external partners to achieve business targets and optimise grade development, design, and performance.
  • Provide technical leadership for packaging materials and print graphics, overseeing development, specification, compliance, and first‑run approvals to meet quality, environmental, cost, and legal requirements.
  • Manage key packaging and print responsibilities, including coordinating with marketing and suppliers, supporting new product launches, maintaining regulatory compliance (e.g., Packaging Covenant, Accord, GS1), and optimising pallet utilisation in line with logistics goals.

  

About You

As an experienced Process Engineer, you will bring an excellent ability to communicate and relate with a wide range of people within and outside of the business and have a high level of organisational skills. You are adept at coaching and mentoring others, multitasking, problem-solving, and clearly presenting information. Your adaptability, creativity, and attention to detail will drive the success of our team and contribute significantly to our business goals.

The ideal candidate will also possess the following skills and attributes:
 

  • A degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering (or equivalent).
  • Background in high-speed packaging, manufacturing, or FMCG environment.
  • Strong technical, analytical, and process‑oriented skills.
  • Experience with project planning and cross‑functional development teams.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • High proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
  • The ability to work hands‑on, manage multiple projects, and build positive relationships across all levels.
  • A strong customer and consumer focus, paired with an organised and disciplined approach to documentation and analysis.
  • Positivity, self-motivation, and a solutions-focused approach – you see road bumps as a challenge, not a disaster!
  • An innovative, inquisitive approach and ‘out of box thinking’.

Packaging development experience in an FMCG environment—especially with flexible packaging materials or print processes—would be beneficial but is not essential.

What We Offer  

Our purpose, Breaking Barriers to Well-Being, provides meaning to everything we do. Join us to improve well-being for people and drive positive change for society and the environment. At Essity, you'll feel valued, empowered to grow, and challenged to achieve business results in a collaborative and open atmosphere.

  • A dynamic team environment built on the foundations of authenticity, respect, and a passion for what we do 
  • An opportunity to contribute to a flourishing and vibrant global business with a focus on employee development and improving everyday living through our tailored offerings
  • A competitive salary package - $90,000 – $120,000 per year (experience based)
  • Fully funded Wellbeing One Southern Cross medical insurance, with free annual health checks and doctor's appointments
  • Free income protection, permanent disability, and life insurance
  • Free Annual Flu Vaccinations, Annual Wellness Day and free onsite parking

Applications Close: Friday 27 March 2026.

Ready for your next move? Apply now! Early applications encouraged.

Innovate for Good | Excel Together | Be You With Us.

Application End Date:

Job Requisition ID:

Essity260125