Data Analyst - Manufacturing

Company Description

AFFCO is a high-performing and dynamic leader within the New Zealand Meat Industry. Established in 1904, AFFCO holds 120 years of expertise in supplying top-quality meat products to the world.

Based in Waikato, the agricultural heart of New Zealand, with over 4,000 employees, our operation has offices in the USA, UK and Hong Kong and comprises 11 processing sites situated across New Zealand, distributing to over 80 countries.

AFFCO sources top-quality, sustainable, grass-fed, New Zealand Beef and Lamb products from our network of farmer suppliers. We are 100% New Zealand-owned and operated and a proud member of the Talley’s Group; New Zealand’s leading exporter of meat, dairy, seafood, and vegetable products.

Job Description

We’re not short on data, we’re short on insight. AFFCO is seeking a Data Analyst – Manufacturing who thrives in complex manufacturing environments and knows how to interrogate raw data to uncover hidden relationships between process variables, performance metrics, and economic outcomes.

This newly created role is part of a wider initiative to help us unlock deeper insights from our operational data, especially around production, yield, and process optimisation. We’re looking for someone who’s confident working with manufacturing data and can help us move from basic reporting to predictive, actionable analytics.

This position is not a reporting role. It’s a chance to lead a transformation in how we understand our business, starting with one site, and scaling across the group. You’ll work closely with operations, engineering, finance, and supply chain teams to build models, dashboards, and forecasting tools that drive smarter decisions and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Analyse production, yield, quality, output, and workforce data across slaughter, boning, livestock, and cold store processes.

Build intuitive dashboards and reports using Power BI or similar tools to support real-time decision-making.

Investigate relationships between operational variables (e.g., chain speed, temperature, rest breaks, SKU mix) and performance outcomes.

Support forecasting and optimisation projects using statistical and machine learning techniques.

Collaborate with site managers and technical teams to define KPIs and reporting frameworks.

Ensure data integrity and contribute to the development of AFFCO’s data governance protocols.

Start with one site, refine the approach, and scale insights across the wider business.

Why AFFCO?

Be part of a proud Kiwi-owned company with a global footprint.

Work in a fast-paced, results-driven environment where your insights will shape real decisions.

Enjoy competitive pay, staff meat sales, and great deals through our Perks programme.

Access career development and training opportunities.

Join a flat management structure that values collaboration and innovation.

Qualifications

We’re looking for someone who’s not just technically capable, but deeply curious. Someone who sees data as a way to solve real-world problems in a manufacturing setting. You might come from food processing, logistics, or industrial engineering, and you’ll be comfortable working with messy, high-volume datasets where timing, temperature, and throughput all matter.

You’ll have experience turning operational data into insights that drive yield, efficiency, and cost improvements and you’ll know how to communicate those insights to both the factory floor and the executive team.

If you’ve ever asked: “what happens to yield after a rest break?” or “how does SKU mix affect revenue?”, you are exactly who we are looking for.

What you'll bring:

Proven experience in data analysis, preferably in manufacturing, agriculture, or logistics

Strong skills in SQL, Excel, and data visualisation platforms (e.g., Power BI)

Ability to communicate insights clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences

A proactive mindset and a passion for solving real-world business problems

Additional Information

If you are looking for an opportunity with a large New Zealand owned and operated organisation in the primary industries, where your contributions are valued, then this is it. Submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and interest in the role.

Please note: You must be eligible to work and live in New Zealand to be considered for this role.