Reliability Specialist - Packer

Asahi Beverages; Sydney; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Asahi Beverages in Australia seeks a Specialist / SME to join the Packaging team in Huntingwood, reporting to the Packaging Reliability Manager. You will drive equipment reliability, maintenance excellence and process optimisation for packer machinery.

You will support new product implementations, develop technical standards and SOPs, coach operators, lead continuous improvement initiatives and provide expert troubleshooting to boost production performance while upholding safety and quality

Qualifications

• Technical background in engineering with a focus on packaging maintenance.
• Experience leading maintenance initiatives and SOP development.
• Ability to coach operators and work across technical, operations and engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of packer machines, ensuring high reliability and operational availability.
• Optimise and continuously improve maintenance plans, schedules, and work instructions with planners.
• Lead and support technical training for technicians and operators.
• Provide expert-level troubleshooting and act as escalation point for breakdowns.
• Drive performance via data analysis, root cause investigations and reliability programs.
• Support new product implementations, develop SOPs and update schematics for changeovers.
• Participate in capital projects and ensure new equipment meets standards.
• Champion safety, quality, and compliance across activities to Australian and Asahi standards.
• Conduct equipment audits and support Autonomous Maintenance.

Skills

Packaging maintenance

Leadership

Problem solving

Coaching

Cross-functional collaboration

Data analysis

Self-starting

Education

Engineering qualification

Tools

SAP maintenance module

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Specialist / SME to join our Packaging team at Huntingwood. Reporting to the Packaging Reliability Manager, this role is a key technical resource responsible for driving equipment reliability, maintenance excellence, and process optimisation for packer machinery.

You’ll play a pivotal role in supporting new product implementation, developing technical standards and SOPs, and coaching operators and technicians. As the subject matter expert for packer machines, you’ll lead continuous improvement initiatives and provide critical troubleshooting support to enhance production performance.

Support Packaging operations by leading the following key areas:

• Take ownership of packer machines, ensuring high reliability and operational availability.
• Optimise and continuously improve maintenance plans, schedules, and work instructions in collaboration with planners.
• Lead and support technical training for technicians and operators, enhancing on-site capability.
• Provide expert-level troubleshooting and act as an escalation point for technical breakdowns and maintenance challenges.
• Drive performance improvement through data analysis, root cause investigations (5 Whys, RCA), and reliability programs.
• Support the implementation of new products, including developing SOPs and updating schematics for changeovers.
• Participate in capital projects and ensure new equipment meets operational standards.
• Champion safety, quality, and compliance across all activities, ensuring adherence to Australian and Asahi standards.
• Conduct equipment audits and support Autonomous Maintenance initiatives.

About You

This is an exciting role for a technically strong and solutions-focused professional who thrives in fast-paced FMCG environments. You’re passionate about driving reliability and supporting the frontline with practical coaching and process improvements. You also bring:

• A tertiary or trade qualification in an engineering discipline.
• 5+ years’ experience in packaging maintenance, ideally within FMCG manufacturing.
• Deep technical knowledge of high-speed packaging machinery (e.g., Wrap Around Packers, Quick-Flex, Cluster Packers, Twin-stackers, Kister Packers).
• Strong SAP skills – particularly in the maintenance module is highly regarded.
• Proven ability to lead problem-solving efforts and develop maintenance strategies.
• Experience coaching operators and developing clear, effective SOPs.
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and work cross-functionally across technical, operations, and engineering teams.
• A proactive, self-starting attitude with a drive to take ownership and lead improvements.

At Asahi Beverages, we're passionate about crafting more than just drinks - we craft moments of connection, celebration, and shared enjoyment. We bring together a diverse portfolio of iconic beverage brands, a commitment to quality, and a drive to constantly innovate. Headquartered in Melbourne and with facilities right across Australia and New Zealand, you’ll find Asahi is a place where talent is nurtured, and ambition is rewarded. If you’re ready to toast your future, we’re ready to meet you.