Trades Team Leader

Company Description AFFCO is a high-performing and dynamic leader within the New Zealand meat industry. Established in 1904, AFFCO holds over 120 years of expertise in supplying top-quality meat products to the world.

Our Corporate Head Office is based in the Waikato, the agricultural heart of New Zealand, and supports more than 4,000 employees across the country. AFFCO operates 11 processing sites nationwide, with international offices in the USA, UK and Hong Kong, exporting to over 80 countries. We are 100% New Zealand-owned and operated as part of the Talley's Group – one of New Zealand's leading exporters of meat, dairy, seafood, and vegetable products.

Job Description We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Trades Team Leader to join our Napier Tannery engineering team. Reporting to the Plant Engineer and working closely with the Tannery Manager, this role is responsible for leading the day-to-day maintenance activities, breakdown response, and asset management across the Tannery.

This is a leadership role with a strong practical component. You will coordinate trades staff and contractors, oversee preventative maintenance, support production requirements, and ensure the Tannery's equipment and utilities operate safely, efficiently, and in line with AFFCO standards.

The role requires strong technical capability, sound judgement, and the ability to build positive working relationships across engineering, production, and site leadership teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and supervise trades personnel and embedded contractors
• Prioritise and respond to breakdowns to minimise downtime
• Manage rosters to ensure adequate coverage across shifts
• Plan and oversee preventative maintenance activities
• Support installation and operation of compliance registers and MEX
• Work with the Maintenance Planner on annual shutdown planning
• Reinstate equipment safely after maintenance, including guards and utilities
• Ensure work orders are completed accurately and on time
• Promote continuous improvement and modernisation initiatives
• Maintain strong communication with production, engineering, and management
• Lead, coach, and develop trades staff
• Support asset management and implementation of AMS
• Uphold AFFCO's health and safety standards and lead by example

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will bring:

• A recognised trade qualification (mechanical, electrical, or similar)
• Proven experience in maintenance, engineering, or industrial plant environments
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide and develop a team
• Hands-on problem-solving ability and mechanical aptitude
• Experience coordinating contractors and managing workloads
• Good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively
• Strong commitment to health, safety, and compliance
• Experience with asset management systems (advantageous)
• Ability to work flexibly to support production demands

Additional Information The successful candidate will be rewarded with:

• A supportive and experienced site leadership team
• A varied and hands-on leadership role with autonomy
• Opportunities for development and progression
• Competitive remuneration

If you are a motivated leader who is passionate about engineering, people, and driving a zero-harm culture, then please apply online or visit us at 26 Tyne Street, Pandora, Napier 4110.

To ensure a safe workplace, AFFCO engages in pre-employment medical checks and drug screening. By applying for this role, you agree to undertake the necessary pre-employment screening. Please ensure you provide a current ID (such as a Driver License or Passport).