Production Operator/Fryer Operator

Proudly based in Timaru, Heartland Potato Chips is a trusted New Zealand-owned brand producing high-quality potato chips from locally grown potatoes. With strong community values and a commitment to excellence, they’ve created a workplace where people stay, grow, and take pride in what they produce.

Now they’re looking for someone to join the night shift production team and train as the backup Fryer Operator.

The Opportunity

This is not just a standard production role.

You’ll begin as part of the wider production crew, learning the process from the ground up. At the same time, you’ll be trained in fryer operations so you can confidently step in to cover leave and support the team when needed.

Think of it as earning your stripes… one perfectly cooked batch at a time.

Hours of work

This is a permanent night shift role with plenty of opportunities for learning and development.

Your regular shift will be 3pm – 3am, Monday to Thursday.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Working on the production line during 12-hour shifts
• Monitoring machines and packing product
• Learning to operate and monitor the fryers
• Using touch screen technology to track production
• Troubleshooting issues and keeping things running smoothly
• Supporting a small, tight-knit team
• Stepping up as backup Fryer Operator when required

You’ll be developing specialist skills in a key part of the production process, where timing, temperature, and attention to detail matter.

What We’re Looking For

• Physically fit and comfortable in a hands-on factory role
• Happy walking, climbing steps, and navigating the factory floor
• Mechanically minded or technically confident
• Comfortable using technology and touch screen systems
• Calm under pressure and quick to solve problems
• A strong team player
• Someone ready to grow into greater responsibility

You don’t need to arrive as a fryer expert. You do need reliability, initiative, and the drive to learn.

Why Join?

• Be part of a proudly local Timaru success story!
• Clear skill development and progression opportunity
• Work that’s hands-on, practical, and genuinely satisfying
• Ummm – did we mention the chips?!

If you’re ready to join a company where good potatoes become great chips and good operators become key team members, this could be your next step.

Apply now and let’s see if you’re ready to step into the heat.