Engineering Manager

About the role

We are looking for a practical, solutions‑focused Engineering Manager to lead plant and equipment performance at our Whanganui site. Working closely with the Production Manager, you will be the technical heartbeat of our plastic extrusion facility, shifting maintenance from reactive to proactive and championing a safety‑first culture.

Key responsibilities

• Build and own a comprehensive preventative maintenance programme across extrusion plant, tooling and utilities to improve OEE and reliability.
• Lead maintenance scheduling and execution, managing suppliers and contractors.
• Implement and run a CMMS to track and analyse maintenance activity.
• Lead root‑cause investigations and ensure corrective actions are closed.
• Act as the site’s technical lead for Health & Safety.
• Project‑manage complex engineering and non‑standard manufacturing projects from concept to commissioning.
• Drive a structured continuous improvement programme delivering financial and operational results.
• Own CAPEX and OPEX maintenance budgets.

Required profile

• Trade certification, qualification or formal training in mechanical, electrical, process or manufacturing disciplines, or equivalent industry experience.
• Relevant Health & Safety knowledge, training and certification.
• 5–10 years proven experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Practical, hands‑on approach with ability to influence without direct authority.
• Strong curiosity and enthusiasm for projects and continuous improvement.
• Proven track record of building preventative maintenance programmes that lift reliability and OEE.
• Solid general engineering and plant knowledge with strong problem‑solving instincts.

Required skills

• Experience with Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
• Knowledge of Lean Six Sigma or reliability engineering methodologies.
• Background in plastics extrusion or polymer processing.
• Ability to develop and manage preventative maintenance programmes.