Careers

• Free secure on-site parking
• Kaiapoi Based Position - 15 minutes from central Christchurch
• Opportunity to work for a reputable brand

Hellers Ltd is a leading New Zealand manufacturer and distributor of Bacon, Ham and Smallgoods. Our award-winning quality brands enjoy significant and growing customer and consumer recognition.

We are seeking an enthusiastic Food Technologist to join our Product Development team at our Kaiapoi plant. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated food technology or food science graduate who is passionate about product development and eager to build technical skills in a supportive, hands-on manufacturing environment.

The Food Technologist role supports key business priorities and objectives through development and launch of new and reformulated products across all domestic and export markets.

This role reports directly to the Senior Food Technologist and takes ownership of assigned projects from concept through to commercialisation. This includes ensuring all Stage Gate requirements are met, updating and issuing product specifications, checking and approving artwork, and successfully transferring products into production.

The role requires hands-on product development expertise, strong problem-solving capability, and excellent communication skills, along with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a cross-functional team.

You will also bring the energy, resilience, and drive needed to succeed in a fast-moving and demanding environment.

Key SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE required for this role:

• Tertiary qualification in Food Technology, Food Science or relevant field would be a requirement for this role.
• Idea generator for new opportunities.
• Strong influencing skills across cross functional teams and the ability to drive projects forward.
• Able to analyse and problem solve effectively.
• Effective collaborative communication skills – written and verbal.
• Excellent literacy and numeracy skills.
• HACCP experience and understanding the principles of food safety.
• Minimum two years' experience in a similar product development role in food manufacturing.
• Previous experience in the processed meats industry will be highly advantageous.
• Working knowledge of the FSANZ Food Code and other relevant legislation would be preferable.
• Understanding of ingredients, additives, and processing methods used in meat products would be preferable.

The location for this role is based at our Kaiapoi site.

Great salary package and benefits and great location with free staff parking.

Applicants for this role must have NZ residency or a valid work visa.

If you are interested in this role, please email your CV and cover letter to chantelle.whyte@hellers.co.nz

Applications close on Monday, 4th May 2026.

Hellers Limited is a safety conscious employer; pre-employment drug testing is mandatory for prospective candidates.