Armi Chia
Richmond,Nelson
Summary
Driven by passion for knowledge and a commitment to overcoming challenges.
Expertise in processing NZ Green Shell Mussel and fish is evident. Significant contributions to plant and product development in recent years showcase a blend of technical proficiency and innovative thinking.
A natural aptitude for machinery is complemented by strong coaching and team development skills.
Interests outside of professional pursuits include building robotic arms, 3D printing, and playing musical instruments.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Land Based Factory Manager
Sealord Group Ltd
12.2025 - Current
- Responsible for operation of land based processing facilities including wetfish factory and rendering plant.
- Strengthen health and safety culture, reducing incidents and improving site audit performance.
- Improve operational efficiency through process redesign, better workflow, and equipment utilisation.
- Develop and Implement targeted coaching strategies to improve staff performance and foster professional growth.
- Ensured full compliance with MPI, BRC, internal standards, and maintaining audit readiness.
- Long-term operational strategy for land-based factories, ensuring alignment with future growth objectives through restructuring and capital projects.
Factory Manager - Wetfish
Sealord Group Ltd
04.2023 - 11.2025
- Oversaw daily operations and ensured adherence to safety and quality standards.
- Engaged with S&OP to ensure punctual delivery of products, supporting overall operational goals.
- Managed budget forecasts, controlling operational costs while maintaining product quality.
- Developed and implemented succession planning to align talent with organizational goals.
- Project lead LEAN transformation to streamlined production processes, reducing waste and increasing efficiency across multiple fish species.
- Collective bargaining.
Site Operations Manager
Talley's Ltd
09.2022 - 03.2023
- Maintain constant communication with managers, supervisors and vendors to ensure proper operations of the site.
- Developed safety protocols to ensure a secure working environment, resulting in reduced accidents onsite.
- Develop, implement, and maintain quality assurance protocols
- Lead and support a large team within a time-sensitive and demanding environment, including career development plans for direct reports and problem resolution.
- Analyzed operational data to drive strategic decision-making and improve overall site performance.
- Played an instrumental role in strategic and expanding business operations by analyzing growth opportunities, new plant and product development.
Production Manager
Talley's Ltd
01.2021 - 08.2022
- Production planning for 2 mussel factories, 2 vegetable production line.
- Analyzed production metrics to identify bottlenecks and optimize workflows for increased output.
- Determined staff requirements, schedule and involve in staff recruitment plan.
- Address personnel issues and conflicts.
- Maintain safety standards in processing areas.
- Ensuring food safety standards are being met.
- Developed new products or processes such as IQF premium mussel meat, vacuum pack mussel (Retort), IQF whole blanched mussel, marinated mussel and frozen vegetable products.
- Trained and mentored staff on operational best practices, fostering a collaborative team environment.
Senior Shellfish Supervisor
Talley's Ltd
01.2018 - 12.2020
- Lead the supervisors team in shellfish department.
- Provide technical support to direct reports.
- Oversee new key staff development, provide training and guidance.
- Data Analysis.
- New products development.
- Projects management - new mussel plant in Blenheim, Mussel App development.
Pack Room Supervisor - Half Shell Mussel
Talley's Ltd
04.2016 - 12.2017
Factory Worker
Talley's Ltd
05.2014 - 03.2016
Broadcasting Audio Engineer
Media Prima Berhad
07.2006 - 09.2013
- Mix live music performance and concerts for TV broadcast.
- Setup and operate sound equipments to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce music, voices, or sound effects for theater, video, television, news, sporting events, and other productions.
Musician
Self Employed
01.2004 - 06.2006
- Lead guitarist
- Band leader
Graphic Designer
Goche Corporation
05.2002 - 01.2004
Education
High School Diploma - Electronic Engineering
TAR College
Penang, Malaysia12-2001
Level 4 - NZ Certificate in Business
Competenz
Motueka, NZ07-2022
Level 3 - First Line Management
Competenz
Motueka, NZ01-2022
Skills
- Operations management
- Coaching and training
- Production planning
- Waste minimization
- Manufacturing technologies
- Microsoft 365
- Power Automate
- Power BI
Timeline
Land Based Factory Manager
Sealord Group Ltd
12.2025 - Current
Factory Manager - Wetfish
Sealord Group Ltd
04.2023 - 11.2025
Site Operations Manager
Talley's Ltd
09.2022 - 03.2023
Production Manager
Talley's Ltd
01.2021 - 08.2022
Senior Shellfish Supervisor
Talley's Ltd
01.2018 - 12.2020
Pack Room Supervisor - Half Shell Mussel
Talley's Ltd
04.2016 - 12.2017
Factory Worker
Talley's Ltd
05.2014 - 03.2016
Broadcasting Audio Engineer
Media Prima Berhad
07.2006 - 09.2013
Musician
Self Employed
01.2004 - 06.2006
Graphic Designer
Goche Corporation
05.2002 - 01.2004
High School Diploma - Electronic Engineering
TAR College
Level 4 - NZ Certificate in Business
Competenz
Level 3 - First Line Management
Competenz