Christchurch - Artwork + Labelling Specialist
About the Company:
Westland Milk Products is a well-known New Zealand end to end dairy manufacturer based in the beautiful South Island. We process over 700 million litres of milk a year and produce a wide range of consumer and foodservice products, and dairy ingredients.Exporting at a domestic and international level, we are made up of immensely proud individuals who are truly passionate about the world-class products we produce.
Owned by the Global Top 5 dairy company Yili Group, Westland Milk Products and its related companies in New Zealand, Oceania Dairy (Glenavy), Pure Nutrition Ltd (Rolleston), Canary Foods (Hamilton) and EasiYo Ltd (Auckland) form a group that we refer to as the Yili Oceania Business Division (YOBD).The combined business produces over 170,000mt of finished goods which are then exported to over 40 countries, driving annual revenue in excess of $1.3B - and growing.
About the role:
Based in our Christchurch Office (Hornby) and reporting to the Senior Packaging Technologist in Innovation Department, the Artwork and Labelling Specialist (Permanent Full-time) will be the subject matter expert on packaging, artwork and labelling across the group.You'll be responsible for managing and optimizing all packaging artworks and labels, ensuring they are accurate, compliant, and print-ready. This includes providing technical oversight, leading cross-functional coordination, and driving continuous improvement initiatives aligned with cost optimization, customer satisfaction, and our sustainability goals.
You'll also support our Sales and Marketing teams by enhancing product differentiation through innovative artwork features and keeping up with global trends and regulatory changes in food labelling.
Responsibilities include:
- Lead the end-to-end artwork and labelling process, from concept to print-ready files
- Ensure all packaging meets regulatory standards and internal quality procedures
- Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver timely and accurate artwork updates
- Identify and implement opportunities for improvement in artwork and labelling systems
- Stay informed on international food labelling regulations and packaging trends
- Support sustainability and cost-efficiency goals through smart design and labelling decisions
- Develop a strong understanding of YOBD's strategic plans and broader capabilities
- Fulfil responsibilities outlined in the Global Responsibilities List
Skills and Experience:
- Previous food manufacturing or FMCG environment ideally supported by an appropriate food industry related tertiary qualification
- Experience in consumer product labelling and a sound knowledge of general food product labelling requirements in different countries and where to get specific details on such requirements
- Knowledge of food product manufacture, handling and supply chain aspects, especially as they relate to packaging and label information
- Detail-oriented, organised, and confident leading cross-functional initiatives
- An understanding of food quality systems and an appreciation of international food regulations
- A strong communicator and collaborator with a continuous improvement mindset
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a company that takes pride and passion in everything they do and play a key role in presenting our top-quality products to the world.
What We Offer:
- Competitive base salary
- Company incentive scheme
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Free parking
- Career development
- Employee assistance & wellbeing programs
- Enhanced parental leave provisions
- + Delicious discounted grass-fed butter!!!