Maintenance Fitter

Silver Fern Farms Limited; Takapau; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted staff meat sales

Confidential employee assistance with

NZQA-recognised qualifications

Job summary

Silver Fern Farms Limited Takapau site in Central Hawke's Bay is a large, high-volume lamb processing operation. We are seeking motivated Maintenance Fitters to join our engineering team and keep production running in a challenging FMCG environment.

The successful candidate will be trade-qualified, with proven experience in hydraulic, pneumatic and mechanical systems, conveyors, pumps, and gearboxes. You will work in a team or independently, with day/evening shifts and occasional weekend

Qualifications

• Trade-qualified Mechanical Fitter (or equivalent with trade) – non-negotiable.
• Proven experience in mechanical fitting, installation or maintenance.
• Skilled with hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems including conveyors and pumps.
• Able to work in teams or independently.
• Able to assemble components and align equipment per drawings.
• Work safely following permit to work and site requirements.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair conveyors, pumps, gearboxes, valves, and pipework.
• Install and align equipment according to drawings and engineering specifications.
• Perform mechanical adjustments and verification of assets.
• Work shifts including day/evening and occasional overtime as required.

Skills

Conveyors

Hydraulic systems

Pneumatic systems

Gearboxes

Valves

Pipework

Maintenance

Equipment installation

Education

Trade-qualified Mechanical Fitter

Job description

We are looking for motivated and skilled Maintenance Fitters to join our engineering team who are crucial to keep our production running in a challenging, dynamic food production environment.

Our Takapau site in Central Hawke's Bay is Silver Fern Farms largest dedicated lamb processing site, employing up to 1000 people at the peak of the season.

Takapau in the Central Hawke's Bay offers sunshine, vineyards, and wine trails. If you are seeking something a little different Waipakurau and Waipawa offers lively street markets, artisan butchers and coastal adventures. Waimarama, Ocean Beach, Pourerere & Porangahau are some of the hidden gems offering wild beauty, fishing, hunting, and solitude.

Lifestyle, family adventures, and a great sense of community are a few reasons why you should consider relocating to the Central Hawkes Bay.

You will be joining a team on the up and play a key role in implementing our vision for the Takapau site. In return, we offer competitive pay rates, OT allowances and great training/development opportunities.

Our site operates both day and evening shifts Monday to Friday as well as occasional overtime on weekends.

ŌuPūkenga/About You:

The successful candidate will have the below;

• Trade-qualified Mechanical Fitter (or equivalent with trade) (Trade non-negotiable)
• Proven work experience in mechanical fitting, installation, or maintenance.
• Skilled in hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems, including conveyors, pumps, gearboxes, valves, and pipework
• Reliable, adaptable, and able to work in team environments or independently.
• Able to assemble mechanical machine components, including motors, conveyors, and sub-assemblies
• Install and align equipment according to drawings and engineering specifications
• Perform mechanical adjustments, checks, and verification of assets
• Able to work safely and efficiently, following permit to work and site requirements.

Previous experience in FMCG or transferrable production engineering environments would be an advantage, but the key is the ability to work as part of a team and utilise your problem-solving skills to provide top level service to the processing plant. Preferred candidates will have good interpersonal skills and an attitude for getting stuck in to get the job done as well as thinking outside of the box.

Te Ahurea /Why work at Silver Fern Farms?

Silver Fern Farms are all about Creating Goodness from the Farms the World Needs. Creating goodness is about taking a broader view of what goodness means, how we can create it and the impact it can have. That Goodness is created through the work of our People, the skill & expertise of our Farmers and our customers around the globe. ‘Goodness’ is also about being good to people and communities, animal welfare, and showing care and respect for the environment.

For you, we offer discounted staff meat sales, and confidential employee assistance with career planning, financial advice and counselling. There are also opportunities to gain NZQA-recognised qualifications.

If you are interested in using your maintenance skills on a large industrial food processing site, and like the idea of working for one of New Zealand's largest food exporters, we look forward to hearing from you. Applications close 16 th October 2026.

We are open to receiving applications from those requiring visa assistance, please state this information in your cover letter.

Silver Fern Farms welcomes people from all backgrounds and walks of life. We are proud to have a diverse and inclusive environment and are committed to providing equal opportunities for all team members and applicants. Come and create goodness together with us.