Engineering Manager

Senior engineering leadership at a nationally significant NZ manufacturing site in regional Taranaki. 

About the Role:

Reporting to the Site Manager, the Engineering Manager leads the engineering function for a large-scale manufacturing operation in South Taranaki. You will serve as part of the senior leadership team working closely with the Site Manager, Production Manager and Maintenance Manager with ultimate technical authority. You are responsible for engineering governance, asset integrity, capital planning, and project delivery.

This is a hands-on leadership role that balances strategic thinking with practical execution. You will lead and develop a team of principal discipline engineers (5 direct and 11 indirect reports) and a wider engineering and projects group, while managing external contractors and maintaining strong relationships with enterprise and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Engineering Governance: Serve as the ultimate technical authority on site, providing sound judgement on complex engineering decisions and ensuring activities align with strategic priorities.
• Capital Planning & Projects: Own the long-term capital plan and take end-to-end accountability for project delivery — scope, schedule, cost, and quality.
• Asset Integrity: Lead lifecycle management of site assets, ensuring robust inspection, maintenance, and renewal strategies are in place for safe and reliable operations.
• Site Leadership: Contribute as an active member of the site management team, shaping the site business plan and taking ownership of complex site issues.
• Health & Safety: Demonstrate visible safety leadership, embed a strong process safety culture, and ensure compliance with all health, safety, and process safety requirements.
• People Leadership: Lead, coach, and develop the engineering and projects team, building capability, accountability, and high-performance culture.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external engineering partners and represent site priorities in enterprise forums.

What You’ll Bring:

• Qualifications: Bachelor of Engineering (Masters preferred) in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Industry Background: Petrochem or continuous process manufacturing environment (advantageous).
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to build high-performing teams and deliver results through people, with clear expectations, coaching, and performance management.
• Technical Expertise: Sound knowledge of engineering codes of practice and HSE disciplines; a track record of delivering capital projects and managing complex asset portfolios.
• Commercial Acumen: Ability to balance technical excellence with business priorities and recognise commercial and operational constraints.

What Is On Offer:

• Competitive Salary & Benefits: Remuneration package commensurate with experience and seniority of the role.
• Medical & Life Insurance: For you and subsidised for your family.
• Career Development: Opportunities for growth in an organisation focused on safety, sustainability, and continuous improvement.
• Stability & Purpose: A values-driven employer with a strong safety culture and a nationally significant operational footprint.
• Health & Wellness: Free onsite health checks, flu vaccinations, EAP and other wellness initiatives. Parental leave benefits.
• Relocation costs: For applicants relocating to Taranaki from elsewhere in NZ or overseas. 

How to Apply:

If you are an experienced engineering leader ready to make your mark on a significant New Zealand manufacturing operation, we want to hear from you. Please submit your CV and cover letter to Cherie Hill via the link below.