Operations Manager

Sprout Group; Napier; On-site; NZD 170,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Equity: ESOP

Health insurance

Relocation support

Napier living

Job summary

Kwetta is hiring an Operations Manager to build the structure, systems, and capability that will enable their manufacturing operation to scale and support global growth. You will report to the Senior Leadership Team and drive the manufacturing engine behind ultra-fast EV chargers that unlock grid power.

You’ll lead production and procurement, implement scalable systems, and collaborate with R&D, engineering, procurement, service, and sales to align on a single operations strategy.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Operations or Production Manager in complex, high-mix manufacturing environments.
• Track record implementing and operating MRP and ERP systems.
• Demonstrated experience scaling operations or establishing offshore manufacturing (ideally in Europe).
• Continuous improvement mindset leveraging Lean or Six Sigma methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead Production and Procurement while building scalable leadership and systems.
• Create repeatable, flexible manufacturing systems for complex, high-value products.
• Collaborate across R&D, Engineering, Procurement, Service, and Sales to align operations as one team.
• Guide procurement and support cost-down initiatives.
• Implement and embed operational systems, including MRP and ERP.
• Establish and scale offshore manufacturing capability, with an eye toward European expansion.

Skills

Operations management

Manufacturing

Lean Six Sigma

MRP/ERP

Scale operations

Strategic thinking

Tools

MRP system

ERP system

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Are you looking to join a team building the world-class manufacturing operation behind the future of EV charging?

Are you an experienced manufacturing leader and want to build the systems, capability, and team to scale globally?

Sprout People are partnering with Kwetta to find their next Operations Manager. If you are ready to accelerate the world's transition to electrification by unlocking the power sitting in existing electricity grids, this is your opportunity.

The opportunity

Kwetta is looking for an Operations Manager to build the structure, systems, and capability that allow their manufacturing operation to scale.

Reporting to the Senior Leadership Team, you will be the driving force behind Kwetta's next chapter of operational growth. You won't just be managing daily production; you'll be building the manufacturing engine behind the future of ultra-fast EV charging.

"There aren't many places where Production, Engineering and the founders solve problems together." – Production Team Member

Kwetta builds ultra-fast EV chargers that unlock power already sitting in the grid, allowing fleets to go electric in months instead of years. They empower heavy vehicle fleets to charge faster without requiring expensive grid upgrades.

What you'll do

• Lead Production and Procurement while building scalable leadership and systems.
• Create repeatable, flexible manufacturing systems for complex, high-value products.
• Collaborate closely across R&D, Engineering, Procurement, Service, and Sales to align operations as one team.
• Guide procurement and support cost-down initiatives.
• Implement and embed operational systems, including MRP and ERP.
• Establish and scale offshore manufacturing capability, with an eye toward European expansion.

About Kwetta

Kwetta builds ultra-fast EV chargers that unlock power already sitting in the grid, allowing fleets to go electric in months instead of years. They empower heavy vehicle fleets to charge faster without requiring expensive grid upgrades.

Who you are

We are looking for someone who is strategically minded and pragmatically grounded, with a knack for building exceptional, empowered teams. You should be an excellent communicator who thrives on open collaboration and problem-solving.

• Proven experience as an Operations or Production Manager in complex, high-mix, manufacturing environments.
• A track record of implementing and operating MRP and ERP systems effectively.
• Demonstrated experience scaling operations or establishing offshore manufacturing (ideally in Europe).
• Continuous improvement mindset utilising Lean or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Strong strategic thinking combined with a hands‑on workshop floor perspective.
• Background in electrical manufacturing is a plus.

Why Join? (What's in it for you?)

This isn't just another job; it's a chance to build globally significant technology and leave a lasting mark on how Kwetta scales worldwide.

• Make a real impact: Directly shape the operational foundation that accelerates global fleet electrification.
• Join an expert team: Work alongside high-performing, low-ego founders, engineers, and problem-solvers in an inclusive "one team" culture.
• Grow with the company: Influence global manufacturing models with potential opportunities to evolve toward European operations.
• The Full Package:
• Competitive salary: $170,000 - $220,000 (negotiable based on experience)
• Meaningful equity: Employee Share Option Plan (ESOP)
• Great benefits: Southern Cross Wellbeing One health insurance for you and your direct family, plus a $500 annual wellbeing allowance and up to $4,000 relocation support.
• True flexibility and lifestyle: Work 5 minutes from home in Napier with no Auckland or Wellington traffic, offering an exceptional quality of life.
• The right environment: Direct access to R&D teams and founders on-site.

Please note: This is a job post-only option. By applying, your details will be processed directly for this vacancy.