DAMIAN WEST
Pirimai,Napier
Summary
With extensive experience in high-volume packhouse operations, led teams of over 70 staff in achieving efficient workflows and meeting stringent food safety compliance. Secured BRCGS certification with minimal non-conformances, while implementing continuous improvement initiatives and optimizing labor efficiency.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Packhouse Manager
KiwiCrunch
Flaxmere, Hastings, New Zealand
01.2015 - 01.2026
- Managed daily operations of a high-volume export packhouse, leading 70+ permanent and seasonal staff across packing, grading, and dispatch.
- Improved labour efficiency through workforce planning and workflow refinement, maintaining steady production output and quality.
- Worked closely with growers, engineering, quality, planning, logistics and senior management to lead aligned operations.
- Led BRCGS audit preparation, securing certification with only two minor non-conformances in B4 packhouse 2026.
- Worked with TOMRA operators to introduce preventative maintenance schedules, reducing downtime.
- Created new production report enhancing KPI dashboards, downtime tracking, SOPs, toolbox talks, and operator training programs.
- Supported staff growth through upskilling, mentoring, and coaching to build stronger leadership.
- Chosen to join the Crasborn Improvement Team, working closely with packhouse managers, planning, engineering, operations, the GM for Post-Harvest and People, the COO, and the owner.
Head Cleaner / Industrial Cleaner
Brinks Chicken
01.2011 - 12.2013
- Directed industrial sanitation activities and managed chemical handling processes to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
Cleaner / Labourer / Process Worker
Advance Personnel
01.2010 - 12.2012
- Cleaned and sanitized facilities to ensure a hygienic environment. various facilities to maintain a hygienic environment.
- Operated cleaning equipment and tools to maintain cleanliness and safety standards. and tools safely and effectively.
- Ensured availability of cleaning supplies by restocking them regularly for efficient workflow. to ensure availability for daily tasks.
- Operated in the warehouse, performed devanning, process work, and industrial cleaning to maintain efficient workflow.
General Labourer
Power Retreads
Flaxmere, Hastings
2011 - 2011
- Operated heavy machinery for loading and unloading materials efficiently.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of work areas to ensure safety.
- Executed commercial tyre retreading, conducted quality checks, and operated machines to ensure product standards.
- Supported team members in completing various tasks with various tasks to support project completion.
General Labourer
Drake Recruitment
01.2009 - 12.2009
- Executed general labour tasks across various manufacturing environments to support operational workflows.
- Operated machinery for various construction tasks on assigned job sites.
- Assisted team members with material handling and delivery across job sites.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of work areas during project execution.
Tyre Retreader
Bridgestone Tyre Retreads
01.2007 - 12.2007
- Performed tyre retreading, conducted quality checks, and operated machinery to ensure optimal production standards.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
Vulcaniser / Leading Hand / Floor Supervisor
Vulcan Belt Services Ltd
01.2000 - 01.2006
- As Floor Supervisor, I led a team of five in workshop operations and on-site customer support.
- Oversaw workshop operations and executed conveyor belt/rubber track repairs, ensuring timely service delivery.
- Trained new team members on safety and quality protocols, fostering a culture of compliance and operational excellence.
- Assisted owner/operator with planning and daily operations, enhancing team coordination and workflow.
Education
Napier Boys Highschool
Napier City, NZSkills
- Food safety compliance
- Operational efficiency
- Process management
- Operations management
- Supply chain coordination
- KPI Reporting
- KPI metrics
- Performance tracking
- Continuous Improvement
- Preventive maintenance
- Machine optimization
- Fault finding
- Product quality assurance
- Operator training
- Workforce planning
- Workforce management
- Team Leadership
- Staff management
- Staff development
- Employee training
- Policy and procedure development
- Strategic collaboration
- Problem resolution
- Time management
- TOMRA
- Time management
Hobbies and Interests
- Spending quality time with my family.
- Following rugby league and other sports.
- Consistent learning and personal development.
- Chess and strategy games.
- Computer gaming.
Professional Highlights
- 25+ years across manufacturing and production.
- 11+ years managing high-volume post-harvest local and export packhouse operations.
- Led teams of up to 70+ permanent and seasonal staff.
- 10+ years' experience with TOMRA grading systems.
- Reduced labour requirements through operational optimisations without major equipment upgrades.
- Selected as a member of the Crasborn Improvement Team working alongside senior leadership.
- Helped develop new KPI reporting and downtime tracking. SOPs and preventative maintenance programmes.
- Active member of the Health & Safety Committee and HACCP Team.
Timeline
Packhouse Manager
KiwiCrunch
01.2015 - 01.2026
Head Cleaner / Industrial Cleaner
Brinks Chicken
01.2011 - 12.2013
Cleaner / Labourer / Process Worker
Advance Personnel
01.2010 - 12.2012
General Labourer
Drake Recruitment
01.2009 - 12.2009
Tyre Retreader
Bridgestone Tyre Retreads
01.2007 - 12.2007
Vulcaniser / Leading Hand / Floor Supervisor
Vulcan Belt Services Ltd
01.2000 - 01.2006
General Labourer
Power Retreads
2011 - 2011
Napier Boys Highschool