Shift Mill Operator & Team Lead (Food Milling)

George Weston Foods; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent remuneration package

Long-term career growth

Job summary

George Weston Foods is seeking an experienced Marine Engineering Operations Manager to lead day-to-day operations across a fleet of commercial and private vessels from Lyttelton. This hands-on leadership role blends marine engineering, operations management, and customer relationship management, working with skippers, vessel owners and customers to deliver safe, efficient, high‑quality results.

You’ll split time between workshop and on‑vessel work, and play a key role in safety, maintenance

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Marine Engineer working on vessels.
• Strong knowledge of marine engines, propulsion systems, hydraulics, electrical and mechanical systems.
• Experience in operations, supervision, or management within the marine industry.
• Confident communicating with skippers, customers, and internal teams.
• Practical hands-on approach with ability to jump on the tools when needed.
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Full New Zealand driver’s licence.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day marine engineering operations across a range of commercial and private vessels.
• Carry out hands-on maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting when required.
• Meet with skippers, vessel owners, and customers to understand operational needs and provide technical solutions.
• Plan and coordinate maintenance schedules and project work.
• Lead and support a team of marine engineers and technicians.
• Ensure all work is completed safely, on time, and to industry standards.
• Build long-term relationships with customers through exceptional service and communication.

Skills

Marine engineering on vessels

Marine engines & propulsion

Operations management

Communication with stakeholders

Hands-on tool use

Organisational & problem-solving

NZ driving licence

Job description

Lead from the workshop to the waterfront. Great opportunity to join an established team working out of Lyttelton. We're looking for an experienced Marine Engineering Operations Manager who knows vessels inside and out. This is a hands‑on leadership role that combines marine engineering, operations management, and customer relationship management.

You’ll spend time on the tools when needed, work closely with skippers and vessel owners, and ensure jobs are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest standard.

If you thrive in a fast‑paced marine environment and enjoy building strong customer relationships, we’d love to hear from you.

What you’ll be doing

• Managing day‑to‑day marine engineering operations across a range of commercial and private vessels.
• Carrying out hands‑on maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting when required.
• Meeting with skippers, vessel owners, and customers to understand operational needs and provide technical solutions.
• Planning and coordinating maintenance schedules and project work.
• Leading and supporting a team of marine engineers and technicians.
• Ensuring all work is completed safely, on time, and to industry standards.
• Building long‑term relationships with customers through exceptional service and communication.

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience as a Marine Engineer working on vessels (essential).
• Strong knowledge of marine engines, propulsion systems, hydraulics, electrical, and mechanical systems.
• Experience in operations, supervision, or management within the marine industry.
• Confident communicating with skippers, customers, and internal teams.
• Practical, hands‑on approach with the ability to jump on the tools when needed.
• Excellent organisational and problem‑solving skills.
• Full New Zealand driver’s licence

What’s on offer

• Salary: NZ$100,000 – NZ$120,000 per year depending on experience.
• Excellent remuneration package, including additional benefits for the right candidate.
• A varied role with a mix of workshop, on‑vessel, and customer‑facing work.
• Opportunity to work with a respected marine business and a great team.
• Long‑term career growth in a key leadership position.