Project Manager

Groundline Engineering Ltd.; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

MHM Automation in Christchurch is seeking a Project Manager to oversee fabrication projects from contract to installation. The role demands a hands-on approach and a strong mechanical engineering foundation combined with project management experience.

The ideal candidate will manage end-to-end project delivery, ensuring schedules and budgets are met while communicating effectively with clients and suppliers. Strong Microsoft Excel skills are essential, and experience with Microsoft Project is a bonus. The position offers a competitive remuneration package.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing projects, suppliers, and budgets in a fabrication environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and materials.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage fabrication projects from initiation through to completion.
• Source quotes and manage materials and subcontractors.
• Track project budgets and costs, managing variations.

Skills

Project Management

Mechanical Engineering

Procurement

Stakeholder Communication

Microsoft Excel

Education

Tertiary qualification in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Project

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

MHM Automation designs and delivers automated systems for the food processing and logistics industries and is proud of its deep New Zealand roots and global reach, operating across five continents as part of Fortifi Food Processing Solutions since 2024.

Our team designs and fabricates customised equipment for dairy, agriculture, timber, grain, and feed industries, combining ISO 9001-accredited quality systems with Lean manufacturing principles and a genuine 'can-do' engineering spirit.

The Opportunity

This is a hands‑on, delivery-focused role for an engineer looking to continue developing their career in project management, within a genuine engineering and fabrication environment. As Project Manager, you will take ownership of fabrication projects from contract through to installation and handover, coordinating closely with engineering, the workshop, and our suppliers. This is not a fully desk‑bound, spreadsheet focused role, although you will need to be proficient with Microsoft tools. You will be in amongst it: sourcing quotes, raising purchase orders, solving technical problems on the floor, and making the calls that keep a project on track. We are looking for someone progressing in their project management journey with a strong engineering grounding and the right problem solving/can do attitude.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

• Project Delivery: Manage fabrication projects end to end, from initiation through to completion and handover, keeping schedules, budgets, and specifications on track.
• Procurement: Source quotes and manage materials, subcontractors, and suppliers. This is a genuine hands‑on part of the role.
• Workshop Support: Act as a technical point of contact for the workshop and stores, helping resolve day‑to‑day issues as projects move through fabrication.
• Financial Management: Track project budgets and costs, manage variations, and keep your Estimates at Completion (EACs) current and accurate.
• Stakeholder Communication: Build strong working relationships with customers, suppliers, and internal teams. Keep everyone informed, with no surprises on progress or risk.
• Quality & Continuous Improvement: Ensure project deliverables meet our quality standards, capture lessons learned, and complete documentation including as‑builts and closeout reports.
• Safety: Promote a safety‑first culture across your project teams, including contractors and suppliers.

What We’re Looking For

Experience & Background

• A mechanical engineering foundation and tertiary qualification, which could be a trade qualification. Either way this will be coupled with time working closely with the shop floor.
• Proven experience managing projects, suppliers, and budgets, whether as a Project Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, or in a similar delivery‑focused role within a manufacturing or fabrication environment.
• Comfortable taking ownership of project outcomes with a good degree of autonomy
• Solid understanding of fabrication, manufacturing processes and materials
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills are essential. Experience with Microsoft Project is an advantage but not essential.
• This is predominantly an office‑based, Christchurch role with minimal site travel.

Attributes & Style

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, comfortable talking with people on the shop floor, suppliers, and customers alike.
• Self‑organised and able to work autonomously.
• A practical problem solver who is happy getting into the details when needed
• Resilient and adaptable, comfortable with variety and a fast‑paced, project‑driven environment.

Remuneration & Benefits

MHM Automation offers a competitive remuneration package aligned with experience.

How to Apply

This search is being managed exclusively by TalentHive, specialist talent search in Engineering. Applications and enquiries are handled with complete confidentiality.

To apply or to have a confidential conversation about this opportunity, please contact:

Matt Love-Smith | TalentHive, Specialist Talent Search

[e-mail]