Production Support Lead

Full time

On Site

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. 

Join Essity at our Kawerau site and play a key role in delivering safe, high‑quality, and efficient production outcomes across our Converting operations. As a global leader in hygiene and health, Essity is committed to improving well‑being through sustainable practices, innovative thinking, and a strong people-first culture.

About the Role:

As our Production Support Leader – Converting, you’ll lead a team of Team Leaders and support more than 60 operators across four shifts to deliver daily operational performance. Your leadership will ensure safety, quality, productivity, and people development remain front and centre, enabling world‑class manufacturing performance on our Converting lines.

You’ll partner closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Planning to ensure smooth production flow, effective resource planning, and continuous improvement. This role will suit someone who enjoys a hands-on leadership environment, thrives in fast‑paced manufacturing, and takes pride in developing capable, engaged teams.

What You Will Do:

• Lead safe, efficient, high‑quality production across all converting lines.
• Coach and support Team Leaders to meet safety, quality, operational, and people goals.
• Manage shift execution with clear communication, smooth handovers, and accurate reporting.
• Monitor key performance indicators (OEE, waste, speed, uptime) and drive timely corrective actions.
• Build team capability through training, coaching, competency management, and development planning.
• Foster continuous improvement, effective cross‑functional collaboration, and a positive, inclusive team culture.

Who You Are:
You are an experienced manufacturing leader who is committed to safety, passionate about team development, and motivated by achieving high standards of operational excellence. You communicate clearly, lead with integrity, and collaborate effectively across functions.

You will bring:

• Experience in a high‑volume FMCG or continuous manufacturing environment.
• At least five years’ post‑qualification experience in operational leadership.
• Lean or Six Sigma qualification and exposure.
• Strong communication, coaching, and team‑building capability.
• Proven ability to manage performance, drive accountability, and support development.
• Technical aptitude and a practical, solutions‑focused mindset.
• Confidence working with data, KPIs, and production systems (e.g., SAP, Microsoft Suite).
• Ability to problem‑solve, respond to issues quickly, and manage competing priorities.

Nice to have (but not required):

• Knowledge of operational management, finance, or business planning.
• Experience with H&S, environmental, risk, or ISO systems.
• Background in engineering, processing, or production optimisation.

If you don’t meet every requirement but have the capability and motivation to grow into the role, we encourage you to apply.

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 
• A competitive salary package
• 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 1 May 2026.

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

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