Automation & Vision Lead
Company Description
AFFCO is a high-performing and dynamic
leader within the New Zealand meat industry. Established in 1904, AFFCO has
extensive experience supplying high-quality meat products to markets around the
world.
Based in Waikato, the agricultural
heart of New Zealand, AFFCO operates processing sites across New Zealand and
has offices in the USA, UK and Hong Kong. We source quality, sustainable,
grass-fed New Zealand beef and lamb from our network of farmer suppliers.
AFFCO is 100% New
Zealand owned and operated and is a proud member of the Talley's Group, one of
New Zealand's leading exporters of meat, dairy, seafood and vegetable products.
Job Description
AFFCO is seeking an experienced
Automation & Vision Lead to drive the next stage of our automation,
integration and AI vision capability across our nationwide operations.
Based at our Head Office in Horotiu
and working across the AFFCO sites, this newly created role will be responsible
for shaping and delivering AFFCO's automation strategy while leading the
development of practical AI-powered solutions across our processing plants. The
position combines strategic leadership with hands-on technical expertise and
will work closely with operations, engineering, IT, business intelligence and
improvement teams to deliver innovative solutions that improve efficiency,
quality, safety and operational performance.
You will play a key role in supporting and enhancing our automation platforms, SCADA systems, plant integrations and data connectivity, while helping unlock greater value from operational data across the business. The role will also lead the development and deployment of technology and AI solutions across a range of applications within our processing environment.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the development and continuous improvement of AFFCO's automation and vision strategy.
- Supporting automation platforms, SCADA systems, integrations and plant control environments across multiple sites.
- Designing, implementing and maintaining AI vision systems and associated technologies.
- Working with internal stakeholders and external vendors to deliver automation and digital improvement projects.
- Developing standards, processes, documentation and training materials to support operational success.
- Establishing scalable integration architectures and ensuring reliable connectivity between systems and platforms.
- Exploring emerging technologies and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, safety, quality and operational performance.
- Supporting the extraction, integration and utilisation of operational data to enable better business decision making.
- Ensuring systems
remain secure, reliable and compliant with business and industry requirements.
Qualifications
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
- Proven experience in industrial automation, controls, commissioning and systems integration.
- Strong technical knowledge of PLC, SCADA, automation platforms and industrial systems.
- Experience designing, implementing and supporting automation solutions in operational environments.
- Exposure to AI, machine vision, machine learning or related emerging technologies.
- Strong problem-solving and project delivery capability.
- The ability to work effectively with both technical and operational stakeholders.
- Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach.
- A tertiary qualification in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
- Experience in manufacturing, food processing or other industrial environments would be advantageous.
Benefits
- Competitive salary.
- National role with significant influence across AFFCO operations.
- Opportunity to lead innovative automation and AI initiatives.
- Access to discounted meat and Talley's Group products.
- Perks membership offering discounts on a range of services and products.
Additional Information
If you want to join a successful organisation and help shape the future
of automation, data integration and AI technology at AFFCO, then please apply now.
