Plant Initiatives Lead
Operations Auckland Full-time New Zealand
Job Description
We’re looking for an experienced Plant Initiatives Lead to join our manufacturing team on a permanent, full‑time basis. Reporting to the Plant Manager, you’ll work closely with the plant leadership team to lead key initiatives, including new product introductions, product changes, promotions and complexity reduction projects.
You’ll be the key contact for manufacturing, responsible for initiatives from feasibility through implementation and post‑launch review, ensuring safe and high‑quality outcomes.
In this role, you will be responsible for:
- Leading feasibility checks and manufacturing risk reviews for new plant initiatives.
- Planning and coordinating plant project timelines in collaboration with cross‑functional teams and suppliers.
- Preparing clear plant project briefs and leading key project meetings.
- Supporting trials and first production runs, ensuring materials, resources and systems are ready.
- Managing phase‑in / phase‑out of materials in partnership with Supply Chain to minimise waste
- Identifying opportunities to simplify plant operations to improve efficiency and reliability.
- Providing technical guidance on plant capability, capacity and constraints.
- Ensuring all activities meet site safety, HSE and Manufacturing standard requirements.
- Overseeing the manufacturing facility to ensure it is fit for purpose, including maintenance, and facilities budgets
Qualifications
We’re looking for someone who has the following skills and experience:
- Strong project management experience, ideally in a manufacturing or FMCG environment;
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in manufacturing, supply chain, logistics or NPD roles;
- Proven ability to manage multiple initiatives, influence and engage key stakeholders
- A sharp focus on delivery, with the ability to manage budgets and mitigate risks
- Highly organised, analytical and proactive, with strong PC skills (Excel, PowerPoint, Word);
- Tertiary qualification at bachelor’s level or equivalent.
Additional Information
Perks
- Competitive salary and discretionary bonus opportunity
- Enjoy half a day off on your birthday.
- Medical Insurance for you and your family.
- Income Protection and Life Insurance.
- Learning and development programs to support personal growth.
- Quarterly free staff boxes including a range of our coffee and tea brands, and access to discounted staff purchases.
Are you up for this challenge?
If so, please grab a cuppa, brush up your CV and apply now (it's really easy, we promise). If you have any questions you'd like to ask before applying, feel free to send an e-mail to NZ Talent (NZ.Talent@jdecoffee.com). Short cover letters (in the Message section) outlining your motivation to join JDE Peet’s in this role are greatly appreciated.
Note: no applications are handled via e-mail.
We are currently only accepting applications of candidates who have already obtained legal rights to work in NZ without restrictions.
JDE Peet’s - now part of Keurig Dr Pepper – is the world’s leading pure-play coffee company, with a presence in more than 100 markets. Guided by our ‘Reignite the Amazing’ strategy, we are focused on brand-led growth across three big bets: Peet’s, L’OR, and our 10 strategically selected local icons led by Jacobs.
Company Description
We are JDE Peet’s. We craft coffee for every cup and build brands for every heart.
JDE Peet’s - now part of Keurig Dr Pepper – is the world's leading pure-play coffee company, with a presence in more than 100 markets. Guided by our ‘Reignite the Amazing’ strategy, we are focusing on brand-led growth across three big bets: Peet’s, L’OR and Jacobs, alongside a collection of local Kiwi favourites such as Moccona, L’OR, Hummingbird, Bell Tea, Jed’s, Ti Ora and more. In 2025, JDE Peet’s generated total sales of EUR 9.9 billion and employed a global workforce of more than 21,000 employees.
Come join our team and discover what your cup of amazing can be!