Improvement Engineer

AFFCO Holdings; Horotiu; On-site; NZD 80,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

AFFCO Holdings is seeking an Improvement Engineer to enhance engineering processes across their operations in New Zealand. This role involves leading projects to improve automation and reliability, along with collaboration with various teams to implement effective solutions. Ideal candidates will have a strong engineering background and project management skills.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to lead projects from scoping to delivery.
• Experience with asset maintenance processes desirable.
• Strong communication skills for stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation and improvement projects in engineering.
• Prepare business cases for cost-saving and project planning.
• Coordinate with teams to ensure project alignment.

Skills

Project Management

Communication

Automation Improvement

Education

Engineering degree or relevant tertiary qualification

Job description

AFFCO is a high-performing and dynamic leader within the New Zealand Meat Industry. Established in 1904, AFFCO holds 120 years of expertise in supplying top-quality meat products to the world.

Based in Waikato, the agricultural heart of New Zealand, with over 4,000 employees, our operation has offices in the USA, UK, and Hong Kong and comprises 11 processing sites situated across New Zealand, distributing to over 80 countries.

AFFCO sources top-quality, sustainable, grass-fed, New Zealand Beef and Lamb products from our network of farmer suppliers. We are 100% New Zealand-owned and operated and a proud member of the Talley's Group; New Zealand’s leading exporter of meat, dairy, seafood, and vegetable products.

Job Description

AFFCO is currently seeking a passionate Improvement Engineer to join their Engineering team.

As an Improvement Engineer, you will lead projects from the scoping stage through to the delivery of new or upgraded assets. Your role will encompass a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Identifying and delivering automation and improvement projects
• Enhancing engineering and asset maintenance processes, improving reliability and uptime
• Involved in engineering procurement

The ideal candidate will have project management experience, driving projects from scoping to delivery of new or amended assets. Some experience with asset maintenance processes is also desirable.

Your tasks will include costing, preparing payback analyses, and managing projects through installation and commissioning, depending on size and complexity.

You will need to coordinate with trades and operations teams to ensure project alignment with their needs and work closely with contractors for scoping and tendering.

Key objectives include:

• Proposing solutions for processing improvements and machinery utilization
• Preparing cost-saving business cases, including capex, timelines, quotations, and payback calculations
• Developing Standard Operating Procedures to ensure effective and fit-for-purpose machinery and products
• Implementing change management processes and continuous improvement initiatives
• Supporting engineering and maintenance improvements across sites

This position is primarily based at Horotiu Head Office in Waikato, with regular travel to project sites based on assigned projects.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• An Engineering degree or relevant tertiary qualification
• Strong communication skills to engage effectively with stakeholders, including trades, operations, contractors, and suppliers

Additional Information

If you are a driven and motivated individual passionate about engineering, please apply online now!