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Posted 24 August, 2026

Trades Team Leader

Affco New Zealand
Napier City, HKB, NZ Full Time
Reference: ba6705b10bdea666

Job Description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey. AFFCO is a high‑performingand dynamic leader within the New Zealand meat industry. Established in 1904,AFFCO holds over 120 years of expertise in supplying top‑quality meat productsto the world. Our Corporate Head Office is based in theWaikato, the agricultural heart of New Zealand, and supports more than 4,000employees across the country. AFFCO operates 11 processing sites nationwide,with international offices in the USA, UK and Hong Kong, exporting to over 80countries. We are 100% New Zealand‑owned and operated as part of the Talley’sGroup – one of New Zealand’s leading exporters of meat, dairy, seafood, andvegetable products. Job Description We are seekingan experienced and hands‑on Trades Team Leader to join our Napier Tanneryengineering team. Reporting to the Plant Engineer and working closely with theTannery Manager, this role is responsible for leading the day‑to‑daymaintenance activities, breakdown response, and asset management across theTannery. This is a leadership role with a strong practical component. You will coordinate tradesstaff and contractors, oversee preventative maintenance, support productionrequirements, 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 acrossengineering, production, and site leadership teams. Key Responsibilities Coordinate and supervise trades personnel and embedded contractors Prioritise and respond to breakdowns to minimisedowntime Manage rosters to ensure adequate coverage acrossshifts 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 ontime 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 idealcandidate 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 successfulcandidate 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 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). #J-18808-Ljbffr

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