Meat Processing Workers

Fresh Meats NZ is a boutique Napier based Lamb processor operating year-round manufacturing of products destined for both domestic and export markets.

Fresh Meats NZ is part of the Integrated Foods Group who are an international food processing and agribusiness with large scale farming in Gisborne.

Fresh Meats NZ has an alternate day processing schedule, primary processing (Slaughter) one day and secondary processing (Boning) the next, every day is different and allows you to get experience in both areas of the process.

Fresh Meats NZ is a busy environment and requires people that can work in a fast paced environment, are reliable & motivated, physically fit and healthy, have a positive and hardworking attitude and can work within the team.

We have Lamb Technician positions vacant on the day shift. Normal hours of work are 6am - 3pm - Monday to Friday.

We are especially interested in applicants with previous meat industry experience, particularly those who have worked in quality control, digital operations, team leadership, or livestock yards roles. These skills are highly valued as we continue to modernise our systems and uphold strong compliance and food safety standards.

• We are seeking skilled and reliable individuals to join our production team as Lamb Technicians, working in a fast-paced and supportive environment focused on delivering high-quality results.
• This role involves labouring across primary processing tasks on the slaughter floor and secondary processing tasks, including packing, chilling, and cold store operations. You will be working as part of a dedicated team, contributing to the smooth, safe, and efficient running of our plant.
• Depending on the processing day, our people rotate through different tasks — meaning there are ongoing opportunities to learn and grow across multiple areas of the operation, from knife work to packing, quality control, and more.

Specialist Lamb Technician roles: Quality Control

• Monitoring and maintaining product standards across processing areas
• Supporting compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations
• Identifying and escalating any quality issues promptly

• Working with digital systems for traceability, production data, or QA reporting
• Supporting the transition to paperless or tech-enabled processing systems
• Familiarity with handheld scanners, production software, or digital dashboards is a plus

• Leading by example on the processing floor
• Supporting or supervising small teams to achieve production goals
• Contributing to training, onboarding, or mentoring of new staff

• Handling livestock safely and efficiently in line with animal welfare requirements
• Managing animal flow from transport to processing
• Monitoring animal condition and behaviour, and reporting any concerns promptly

• Carry out skilled boning, trimming, and slicing of meat products to a high standard
• Maintain compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health & safety procedures
• Work efficiently in a fast-paced environment while ensuring accuracy and quality
• Support team goals by maintaining yield, minimising waste, and assisting others as needed
• Previous slaughter knife-handling or butchery experience in a meat processing environment is required

• Proven track record of reliability and attendance
• Reliable transport to and from work
• Strong work ethic and commitment to upholding standards
• Meat industry experience is essential
• Knife handling skills, coldstore processing experience, or livestock handling experience
• Positive attitude and willingness to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Flexibility to adapt to changing demands across the production floor

All applicants must pass a pre-employment drug test and meat handler’s medical check.

f you would like to apply for a position with us, you can here or visit our office at 15 Mersey Street, Pandora and complete an application form.

Or for confidential enquiries you can call Michelle, 027 568 9945 or email c.chapman@iflgroup.co

https://www.freshmeatsnz.co.nz/