Asset Lead – 3‑Month Fixed‑Term (Lichfield)

About the role

Fonterda is seeking an Asset Lead for a three‑month secondment at its Lichfield site in the heart of Waikato. This hands‑on leadership position will guide the Maintenance and Services Team to deliver world‑class health, safety, food safety and quality standards while supporting continuous improvement and sustainability goals.

Key responsibilities

• Lead daily asset care and maintenance prioritisation across the plant.
• Drive root‑cause problem‑solving for chronic losses.
• Create and manage the plant’s maintenance plan, balancing planned and reactive work.
• Coach teams in defect handling and reliability practices.
• Define and maintain equipment base‑condition standards.
• Support the plant manager with day‑to‑day operational tasks.
• Assist in upholding validation requirements within manufacturing operations.

Required profile

• Proven experience in a similar asset‑care or maintenance leadership role.
• Completion of the Maintenance Lead Step‑Up Card or a formal engineering qualification.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and coach maintenance teams.
• Strong focus on health, safety, food safety and quality compliance.

Required skills