Improvement Engineer

Role overview

This is a permanent, full-time Improvement Engineer position based onsite in Upper Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand. The role offers competitive pay and benefits, with the chance to build your expertise in a growing animal health manufacturing environment while contributing to professional development in a dynamic setting.

You will join the Animal Health manufacturing site to help ensure product supply remains safe, compliant, and cost-effective. In this position, you will support the assigned Production Team by tackling complex issues, leading improvement work, and carrying out advanced technical tasks.

What you will do

• Serve as the technical go-to person for your team, helping predict and resolve challenging operational issues.
• Spot opportunities to improve processes, product quality, safety performance, and cost efficiency, then help drive those changes forward.
• Apply project management and continuous improvement methods to support work in your area.
• Develop effective working relationships across functions and help refine how the team operates.
• Take the lead on local, site-wide, or global projects, including technical, operational, and systems-based initiatives.
• Represent the team in broader site programs and improvement efforts.
• Review and interpret data to identify where performance can be improved and turn findings into practical recommendations.
• Prepare protocols, procedures, and technical documentation such as reports.
• Own investigations, corrective and preventive actions, change controls, and safety or quality-related events in your technical area.
• Train and coach colleagues on technical capabilities and system usage.
• Step in with frontline support when needed.

Background and experience

• A background in (Bio)Technology, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a closely related field is required.
• Experience working in sterile or aseptic manufacturing, including controlled environments, aseptic practices, or sterile production support, is strongly preferred.
• Experience with Clostridial Antigen Production is expected; exposure to vaccine formulation, filling, and packaging is an added advantage.
• You should bring solid communication, collaboration, and organisation skills, along with the ability to succeed in a GMP manufacturing environment.
• Proven capability in quality and EHS systems, structured problem solving, continuous improvement, and project delivery is needed.
• Previous leadership experience involving influence and coaching within a GMP-regulated biological or pharmaceutical environment is required.

What you can expect

• Autonomy backed by support within a trusted global animal health organisation.
• Ongoing learning and upskilling through exposure to a variety of projects and technologies.
• Flexibility and opportunities to broaden your capabilities and move into new areas.
• A collaborative team culture where knowledge is shared and improvement is encouraged.

Additional information

The organisation values diverse perspectives and aims to create an inclusive workplace where people from different backgrounds can contribute and challenge ideas respectfully. It is an equal opportunity employer and promotes a multicultural environment.

Terms and conditions

This is a regular employee role. No relocation assistance is offered. Visa sponsorship is not available. The position does not require travel. Flexible work arrangements are not applicable. Shift details are not specified. A valid driving licence is not required. Hazardous materials are not applicable. The vacancy remains open until 24 July 2026; applications should be submitted no later than the day before the closing date. Requisition ID: R405166.

Recruitment notice

Search firms are asked not to submit unsolicited candidates. Resumes or CVs sent without a valid written agreement will be treated as the company’s property, and no fee will be paid for unagreed referrals. Where agency agreements exist, introductions are limited to the specific role. No phone calls or emails are requested.