Workshop Foreman

Stellar Recruitment Pty; Canterbury; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Long-term stability

On-site role in Ashburton

Job summary

Ashburton region-based Working Foreman role in a busy engineering and manufacturing operation. The role is hands-on, with roughly 90% on the workshop floor and 10% on scheduling, reporting, and coordinating the team.

Lead by example, drive productivity, maintain quality, and ensure safe, on-time delivery. NZ Driver licence required; Forklift or PM experience desirable. Competitive hourly rate on offer and long-term stability.

Qualifications

• Trade qualification in mechanical engineering, fabrication, or related discipline.
• Experience as a Foreman, Supervisor, Leading Hand, or Team Leader.
• Strong fabrication and engineering knowledge.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings.
• Understanding of workshop production and quality processes.
• Proven leadership and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to health and safety.
• Full NZ Driver Licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate daily workshop operations.
• Allocate work and manage production schedules.
• Remain hands-on in fabrication and manufacturing activities.
• Monitor workflow and ensure production targets are met.
• Interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
• Carry out quality assurance checks.
• Train, mentor, and support workshop staff.
• Promote a strong health and safety culture.
• Liaise with management on staffing, resources, and production requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Technical drawings

Fabrication knowledge

Health & safety

Problem solving

NZ Driver Licence

Education

Trade qualified in Mechanical Engineering, Fabrication, or a related discipline

Job description

We're seeking an experienced Working Foreman to join a busy engineering and manufacturing operation based in the Ashburton region.

This is a hands-on role with approximately 90% of your time spent on the workshop floor and 10% focused on scheduling, reporting, and team coordination. You'll lead by example, drive productivity, maintain quality standards, and ensure work is delivered safely and on time.

The location also makes this role a great option for candidates based in Ashburton, Rolleston, Selwyn, or the southern suburbs of Christchurch.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate daily workshop operations
• Allocate work and manage production schedules
• Remain hands-on in fabrication and manufacturing activities
• Monitor workflow and ensure production targets are met
• Interpret engineering drawings and specifications
• Carry out quality assurance checks
• Train, mentor, and support workshop staff
• Promote a strong health and safety culture
• Liaise with management on staffing, resources, and production requirements
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives

About You

• Trade qualified in Mechanical Engineering, Fabrication, or a related discipline
• Previous experience as a Foreman, Supervisor, Leading Hand, or Team Leader
• Strong fabrication and engineering knowledge
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings
• Sound understanding of workshop production and quality processes
• Proven leadership and problem-solving skills
• Strong commitment to health and safety
• Full NZ Driver Licence

Desirable

• Forklift Licence
• Project management experience
• Formal leadership training

What's On Offer?

• $40-$50 per hour depending on experience
• Genuine Working Foreman role where you'll stay on the tools
• Long-term, stable employment
• Opportunity to lead an experienced team
• Diverse fabrication and manufacturing projects
• Supportive culture with a focus on quality workmanship

If you're a trade-qualified professional who enjoys leading from the front and taking ownership of workshop performance, we'd like to hear from you.

Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand.