Overview

Chicken Process Worker – Join FoodChain Limited, A Leading Name in New Zealand’s Premium Food Distribution Sector

Are you looking to be part of a dynamic and growing team in the food processing and distribution industry? Do you have a passion for quality, hygiene, teamwork, and efficiency? If you answered yes, then this opportunity might be exactly what you’re seeking. FoodChain Limited, a proudly Kiwi-owned and operated company, is currently hiring Chicken Process Workers for its modern facility based in Avondale, Auckland. We welcome candidates who are hardworking, dependable, and ready to make a positive impact in the workplace.

This is more than just a job—this is a stepping stone into a thriving industry that feeds New Zealand, literally and figuratively. If you’re motivated to be part of a high-performing team that values precision, customer service, and excellence in food safety, we want to hear from you.

About FoodChain Limited

FoodChain Limited is a recognized and respected food distribution business that services a wide array of clients in the hospitality industry. Our product offerings include premium meats, fresh and frozen seafood, and pantry essentials. With a strong commitment to service quality and food safety, we serve a vast geographical footprint across Greater Auckland, Waikato, Coromandel, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, Northland, and Taupo.

We are more than just a supplier—we are a trusted partner to restaurants, caterers, hotels, cafés, and institutional kitchens across the region. By joining our team, you become part of a company that believes in nurturing talent, delivering consistent quality, and maintaining the highest standards in everything we do.

What the Role Involves

As a Chicken Process Worker, you will be involved in a variety of essential tasks aimed at ensuring the efficient preparation, packing, and distribution of poultry products. You’ll be working in a temperature-controlled environment alongside a team of skilled professionals who take pride in delivering the finest poultry products to our customers.

Your responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

  • Preparing various chicken cuts including whole carcasses, fillets, wings, thighs, and drumsticks for packaging and distribution.

  • Carrying out precise carcass cutting and trimming tasks using knives and mechanical equipment in accordance with FoodChain’s standard operating procedures.

  • Operating meat processing machinery safely and efficiently.

  • Weighing, labeling, and packaging chicken products with strict adherence to hygiene and safety standards.

  • Conducting stock management activities, including receiving, inspecting, storing, and rotating stock according to FIFO (First In, First Out) procedures.

  • Maintaining an exceptionally clean and sanitized work environment in accordance with national food safety regulations.

  • Identifying any inconsistencies or defects in the product and reporting them to the supervisor for quality control purposes.

  • Participating actively in team meetings and safety briefings.

  • Upholding our strong culture of quality assurance, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement.

Work Environment

The role requires working in a refrigerated environment, which is standard in poultry processing to maintain optimal food safety conditions. All employees are provided with full protective gear including gloves, overalls, aprons, hairnets, and safety boots. Attention to hygiene, punctuality, and teamwork is essential to maintain workflow and safety standards.

You’ll be expected to stand for long periods, engage in repetitive tasks, and lift moderate weights as required. Our facility is equipped with modern processing equipment, ergonomic workstations, and clear safety protocols to ensure worker well-being.

Key Skills and Attributes Required

We’re not just looking for someone who can do the job—we’re looking for someone who can grow with the job. At FoodChain, we believe in developing talent from within, and this role has significant potential for those interested in long-term employment and upskilling opportunities, including butchery apprenticeships.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

  • A strong work ethic and willingness to learn and grow within the organization.

  • Reliability and punctuality, with a commitment to maintaining consistent attendance.

  • Attention to detail, especially when handling sharp tools and following specific cuts.

  • Experience or familiarity with meat preparation techniques, including deboning, trimming, slicing, and packing.

  • Good physical stamina, as the role requires standing for extended periods and handling cold temperatures.

  • Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, to ensure seamless team coordination.

  • Willingness to work overtime or extra shifts, especially during peak production seasons.

  • A proactive attitude, with the ability to follow instructions and adapt to changing workflow needs.

  • A safety-first mindset, committed to adhering to health and safety guidelines and food hygiene practices.

Training and Development for Chicken Process Worker

We understand that not every candidate will have experience in poultry processing. That’s why we offer comprehensive on-the-job training for all new hires. You will learn the ins and outs of meat processing, health and safety protocols, quality control standards, and how to work as part of a high-functioning team.

For motivated individuals, we also provide career development opportunities such as:

  • Butchery apprenticeships

  • Leadership training for supervisory roles

  • Workplace health and safety certifications

  • Cross-training in different departments (seafood, red meat, dispatch, inventory)

At FoodChain, your growth is our investment.

Shifts and Working Hours for Chicken Process Worker

We offer both day and night shift options to suit different lifestyle needs. Each shift is designed with adequate break times and is managed to ensure fair distribution of workload.

Day Shift Schedule:

  • Monday to Friday: 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM

  • Saturday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Night Shift Schedule:

  • Sunday to Friday: 4:00 PM – 12:30 AM

Employees are typically rostered for five shifts per week, with flexibility around weekends and overtime depending on business needs. Candidates must be available for occasional extended hours during peak operational periods.

Why Work at FoodChain?

Working at FoodChain isn’t just a job—it’s a career. Here are just a few of the many benefits we offer:

  • Competitive pay rates, with regular reviews based on performance and productivity.

  • Staff discounts on all FoodChain products, including meats, seafood, and pantry items.

  • Safe and supportive working environment, with a culture rooted in respect, professionalism, and teamwork.

  • Opportunities for advancement, including leadership roles and formal qualifications.

  • Modern facilities that are clean, well-equipped, and compliant with all food safety and labor regulations.

  • Employee wellness initiatives, including PPE provision, safety training, and health monitoring.

We value every employee and foster an inclusive workplace that welcomes people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Who Should Apply for

If you’re someone who:

  • Has experience working in food processing, assembly, or warehousing,

  • Wants to establish a long-term career in the food manufacturing industry,

  • Enjoys hands-on work in a fast-paced environment,

  • Takes pride in precision, hygiene, and efficiency,

  • Holds a current New Zealand Citizenship, Residency, or valid Work Visa with no restrictions,

Then we would love to hear from you.

Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned worker, FoodChain offers a platform where dedication and hard work are recognized and rewarded.

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit a current resume highlighting relevant experience and qualifications. Please include any certifications related to food safety, health and safety, or knife handling if applicable.

In the application, you may be asked to answer a few simple questions, such as:

  • How many years of experience do you have as a process worker?

  • What best describes your legal right to work in New Zealand?

These help us better understand your background and eligibility.

Important Note to Applicants

Do not provide your bank account or credit card information at any stage of the recruitment process. FoodChain adheres to ethical hiring practices and will never request sensitive financial details as part of the job application.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. All applicants must be currently located in New Zealand and available to attend in-person interviews at our Avondale facility.

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