Operations Manager

Kwetta; Napier; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

Health insurance (Southern Cross)

Relocation support

Relocation up to $4,000

Job summary

Kwetta Limited in Napier is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Operations Manager who can build the structure, systems and leadership to scale a high‑mix, high‑value operation while maintaining pragmatism on the factory floor.

You will lead Production and Procurement, collaborate with Engineering, Sales and Service, and help shape Kwetta’s global manufacturing capability as we grow. The role includes ownership, ESOP, relocation support, and Hawke’s Bay lifestyle.

Qualifications

• Experienced Manufacturing Operations Manager
• Led complex manufacturing environments
• High mix, high value manufacturing expertise
• Implemented and operated MRP/ERP systems
• Experience establishing/scaling offshore manufacturing (Europe ideal)
• Strategic, collaborative leadership
• Continuous improvement mindset

Responsibilities

• Build structure, systems and leadership to scale the operation
• Lead Production and Procurement
• Collaborate with Engineering, Sales and Service
• Shape global manufacturing capability as the company grows
• Grow the operation while maintaining pragmatism on the shop floor

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Continuous improvement

Cross-functional collaboration

MRP/ERP experience

Job description

What you’ll be doing:

This is a hands-on leadership role with a clear mandate: build the structure, systems and capability that allow our manufacturing operation to scale.

You’ll be just as comfortable on the workshop floor understanding how work really flows as you are coaching your leaders, strengthening our supply chain, collaborating with Engineering on manufacturability, or sitting with the senior leadership team shaping the next phase of Kwetta’s growth.

You’ll lead Production and Procurement while building the systems, capability and leadership that enable us to scale without losing the pragmatism that got us here. You’ll work across every part of the business because great manufacturing doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when Production, Engineering, Procurement, Sales and Service move as one team.

This is a role that will grow alongside the business. As Kwetta expands globally, you’ll have the opportunity to influence how we manufacture, build capability and scale, helping shape one of the world’s most exciting manufacturing operations in the electrification industry.

What we’re looking for:

• An experienced manufacturing Operations Manager who has led complex manufacturing environments and built exceptional, empowered teams that consistently deliver.
• Deep experience in high mix, high value manufacturing. This is your sweet spot. You understand the unique operational challenges of building technically complex products and know how to create repeatable manufacturing systems that enable them to scale.
• Proven experience implementing and successfully operating MRP/ERP systems. You’ve led an implementation, embedded it into the operation, and bring the practical learnings that come from making these systems work in the real world.
• Experience establishing or scaling offshore manufacturing capability , ideally in Europe. You understand what it takes to build manufacturing capability across borders while maintaining quality, consistency and connection with the wider business.
• A strategic, collaborative leader. You think strategically, act pragmatically, and bring people together because you know the best outcomes come from Engineering, Product, Procurement, Sales and Service working as one team.
• A continuous improvement mindset. Whether through Lean, Six Sigma or your own experience, you’re always looking for smarter, simpler and more effective ways of working without creating unnecessary bureaucracy.
• An electrical manufacturing background would be an advantage, but it’s not a prerequisite. If you’ve built your career in other technically complex manufacturing environments, we’d still love to hear from you.

What you’ll get:

• A career-defining opportunity. Build the world-class manufacturing operation behind one of the most exciting companies in electrification, and leave a lasting mark on how Kwetta scales globally.
• A genuine leadership role. As a member of our senior leadership team, you’ll help shape the future of the business, not just Operations.
• Ownership and autonomy. We’ll give you the context, trust and freedom to make decisions, improve how we operate, and build something you’re proud of.
• Employee Share Options (ESOP). We want you to share in the value you help create as Kwetta grows.
• A one team culture. Work alongside smart, humble people who genuinely enjoy solving hard problems together. No egos, no silos, just one team working towards a shared mission.
• A lifestyle that’s hard to beat. Build globally significant technology while enjoying a life outside work. Forget Auckland or Wellington traffic. In Napier you’re five minutes from work, and almost everything in Hawke’s Bay is within 20 minutes. That means more time for family, kids’ sport, the beach, mountain biking, wineries, or simply getting home for dinner.
• A competitive package. Including a negotiable salary, Southern Cross Wellbeing One health insurance for you and your direct family, a $500 annual health and wellbeing allowance, and up to $4,000 towards relocation.

“There aren’t many places where Production, Engineering and the founders solve problems together.” – Production Team Member

If you bring big ambition, low ego, and believe the best outcomes happen when everyone pulls in the same direction, we’d love to hear from you.

For more details about Kwetta and our mission, visit:

Website: www.kwetta.com

Phone:[phone]

Email: [e-mail].

Visit: 7 Sheffield Place, Onekawa, Napier.