Engineering Team Leader

Barker Fruit Processors Limited; Canterbury; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Barker’s Fruit Processors Limited in Geraldine, NZ seeks an Engineering Team Leader to drive safety, reliability and continuous improvement within the manufacturing site.

You will lead a skilled engineering and maintenance team, manage budgets and capital projects, and champion Lean practices while coordinating with operations and external contractors to ensure optimal uptime and compliance.

Qualifications

• Trade qualification in mechanical, electrical, fitting & turning or related engineering discipline.
• Proven engineering leadership or maintenance management experience.
• Experience in food manufacturing or similar industrial production environment.
• Understanding of Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong planning, budgeting and project management capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a skilled engineering team focused on safety, reliability, and continuous improvement.
• Champion a Safety First culture and drive health and safety initiatives across the engineering function.
• Manage preventative and corrective maintenance activities to maximise equipment uptime and performance.
• Own and continuously improve the Fiix maintenance management system.
• Plan and execute annual maintenance shutdowns and preventive maintenance programmes.
• Support capital investment projects from proposal through to implementation, on time and within budget.
• Manage engineering and repair & maintenance budgets while maintaining spare parts inventory.
• Provide leadership and oversight of site utilities, energy center operations and compliance.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, Health & Safety, and contractors to support objectives.
• Use Lean methodologies and problem-solving tools to drive improvements across the site.
• Participate in the site's 24/5 on‑call engineering support roster.

Skills

People leadership

Lean manufacturing

Problem solving

Safety culture

Stakeholder management

Education

Engineering trade qualification

Tools

Fiix CMMS

Job description

Location: Geraldine

Permanent Full Time

Hours: 40 Hours

We're looking for an experienced and people-focused Engineering Team Leader to join our Manufacturing team. This is an exciting leadership opportunity for someone with strong mechanical or electrical trade experience who enjoys developing teams, solving problems, and driving operational excellence.

Reporting to the Engineering Manager, you'll lead our engineering and maintenance team, ensuring the safe and reliable operation of site equipment, utilities, and facilities. You'll play a critical role in continuous improvement initiatives, maintenance planning, capital projects, and fostering a strong safety culture across the site.

About Us

Nestled at the foot of the Four Peaks Mountain Range in Geraldine, Barker’s has proudly operated from the corner of the original family farm since 1969. With over 220 employees across our New Zealand business and a growing Auckland‑based Sales and Marketing team, we offer diverse and exciting opportunities in a business that truly cares about its people, community, and future.

About the Role

• Lead and develop a skilled, high-performing engineering team focused on safety, reliability, and continuous improvement
• Champion a Safety First culture and drive health and safety initiatives across the engineering function
• Manage preventative and corrective maintenance activities to maximize equipment uptime and operational performance
• Own and continuously improve the Fiix maintenance management system
• Plan and execute annual maintenance shutdowns and preventative maintenance programmes
• Support capital investment projects from proposal through to implementation, ensuring delivery on time and within budget
• Manage engineering and repair and maintenance budgets while maintaining appropriate critical spare parts inventory
• Provide leadership and oversight of site utilities, energy center operations, and compliance requirements
• Collaborate closely with Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, Health & Safety, and external contractors to support business objectives
• Use Lean methodologies and problem-solving tools to drive continuous improvement across the site
• Participate in the site's 24/5 on‑call engineering support roster as required

About You

• Trade qualification in Mechanical, Electrical, Fitting & Turning, Automation, or a related engineering discipline.
• Proven experience in an engineering, maintenance, or engineering leadership role
• Strong people leadership skills with experience developing and coaching teams
• Experience in food manufacturing or a similar industrial production environment
• Understanding of Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience managing maintenance budgets and capital projects
• Strong planning, organization, and problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• A proactive approach to health, safety, quality, and operational excellence

Why Join our Team?

• Lead and influence a critical function within a growing New Zealand food manufacturer
• Work alongside passionate and experienced teams committed to quality and innovation
• Opportunities to drive meaningful improvements and leave a lasting impact on the business
• Ongoing professional development and leadership growth opportunities
• Purpose, people, and place – enjoy a supportive culture built on collaboration, community, and care, with a workplace surrounded by the natural beauty of South Canterbury

Barker’s is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Closing date: 15 October 2026. Please note that applications will be assessed as they are submitted, and we may close advertising early if a suitable applicant is identified.