Workshop Manager

We're seeking an experienced Workshop Manager to lead our busy hydraulic and mechanical repair workshop in Gisborne. This is a full-time leadership role, responsible for people, performance and workflow in a high-activity environment.

You'll be accountable for day-to-day workshop operations, ensuring jobs are scoped correctly, resourced appropriately, and delivered to a high standard of safety, quality and timeliness. The role is hands-on in terms of leadership and coordination – you'll be the central point between technicians, management and customers, particularly during urgent breakdowns and fast-turnaround repairs.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, manage and mentor workshop staff to achieve high performance and strong team culture
• Plan, schedule and prioritise workshop workflow, balancing breakdowns, projects and maintenance work
• Coordinate labour, parts and subcontractors to meet customer timeframes and quality expectations
• Act as primary point of contact for workshop customers, managing communication, expectations and updates
• Work closely with the General Manager and technical leaders on scoping, quoting and resource allocation
• Monitor workshop performance, productivity, safety and housekeeping, and drive continuous improvement
• Support technical problem-solving during complex or urgent repairs

About you

You'll need:

• Strong technical understanding of mechanical, hydraulic and general engineering systems, ideally gained in a heavy industry or repair environment
• Proven experience in a supervisory, foreman or workshop management role
• Calm, organised and decisive under pressure – able to manage shifting priorities and multiple jobs at once
• Confident people leader with the ability to coach, set expectations and hold others accountable
• Excellent communication skills, with a professional manner in front of customers and suppliers
• Commercial awareness around job costing, efficiency and margin is an advantage
• High-energy, solutions-focused mindset and commitment to maintaining a safe, positive workplace culture
• Current NZ work rights (citizen, resident or valid work visa)

Why join APPM?

• Lead a key operational function in a growing, well-regarded business
• Work with a skilled, innovative hydraulic and mechanical team on varied and challenging projects
• Competitive salary and the opportunity to help shape systems and culture as the business continues to expand

Why Gisborne?

Sun capital of New Zealand with top-quality beaches, surfing, fishing and hunting close to town. Short commutes, comparatively affordable housing, and a relaxed lifestyle make it an attractive option for professionals looking to combine career progression with quality of life.

About AP Plant & Machinery

We're a family-owned, East Coast based specialist in hydraulic and mechanical services, delivering complex breakdown repairs, rebuilds and engineered solutions to forestry, agriculture, transport, marine and industrial customers across the Gisborne region. We've grown into a leading provider of complete plant and machinery solutions from our modern Gisborne premises.

Check us out: appm.co.nz

How to apply

Apply via Trade Me Jobs with your CV and a cover letter outlining your workshop leadership experience and eligibility to work in New Zealand.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview and confidential discussion.