Senior Product Development Technologist

Ziwi Limited is an innovative and award-winning New Zealand pet food manufacturer, exporting its natural pet products globally. We have a clear purpose to bring joy and peace of mind to pets and their guardians. ZIWI is experiencing a sustained period of high growth, innovation, and investment, and with people at the core of our success, we are seeking experienced and highly skilled Senior Research & Development (R&D) Technologists to join the team and become part of our growth strategy. We manufacture our own products in Hawkes Bay using air drying, freeze drying and canning processes. ZIWI is committed to advancing innovation in pet food manufacture and already produces air dried, freeze dried and canned products – what’s next? Who knows? Together let’s push the limits of what's possible! We have a new cannery opening in Awatoto in 2024, and you could be part of the groundbreaking R&D team in that operation. These opportunities are rare – so if you’re an experienced R&D specialist, and being at the forefront of innovation excites you, we want to hear from you! The role is Napier based and may involve some domestic travel. Key responsibilities:

• Be the R&D lead on key innovation projects

• Investigate, develop and cost new product and ingredient concepts

• Provide technical support during commissioning of new processes

• Contribute to our expertise in pet food ingredients and animal nutrition

• Provide technical support across all aspects of the business

The person we are seeking will ideally have:

• An affinity with natural healthy products and a love of pets

• Recognised tertiary qualification in Food Science, Food Technology or nutrition

• A proven ability to work autonomously on challenging projects

• The ability to develop ideas and conclusions from complex information

• A proven track record with a minimum of 5 years in a similar role within food manufacturing (pet food experience preferred)

• Project management skills

• A collaborative hands on approach and the ability to influence across all levels of the business

• Strong organisational and time management skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Advanced competency in Microsoft Office Suite is required

Pet food manufacturing is emerging as an important high growth industry for New Zealand. This is an opportunity to secure a key role assisting growth in a successful company investing heavily in its people, facilities and brand. This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a dynamic, rapidly growing business with a global footprint. Our K.I.W.I values of Kindness (Manaaki), Integrity (Pono) Will (Pūkeke) and Ingenuity (Auahatanga) ensure that we are an organisation where you can feel that you are respected, surrounded with honesty and hardworking kaimahi with the support to grow and develop. If that sounds like a place where you can see your skills and experience will be valued, we encourage you to apply now! All applicants must have current NZ residency or a valid work visa to apply and will be required to undergo a pre-employment medical, drug and alcohol screening as part of ZIWI’s commitment to a drug and alcohol-free workplace. #J-18808-Ljbffr