Workshop Foreman

REL Group; Timaru; On-site; NZD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

REL Group is seeking an experienced Workshop Foreman to lead a team of 10-15 workshop staff and oversee the day-to-day operation of our manufacturing workshop.

This hands-on role focuses on production, quality, safety, and team performance. You'll plan workloads, keep projects moving, solve problems, and work alongside your team to ensure jobs are delivered safely, efficiently, and to a high standard.

Qualifications

• NZ National Certificate Level 4 in Mechanical Engineering and Fabrication.
• Minimum of 4 years' experience within mechanical engineering, fabrication, or agricultural engineering industries.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience.
• Full NZ Driver Licence.
• Forklift licence or certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the workshop, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and to a high standard.
• Plan and allocate daily and weekly workloads to maximise productivity and meet delivery deadlines.
• Supervise, support, and develop workshop staff while maintaining accountability for performance and workmanship.
• Lead from the front and work alongside the team when required.
• Monitor workflow, labour resources, and production schedules to keep projects on track.
• Interpret engineering drawings and ensure manufacturing requirements are clearly understood.
• Ensure products meet REL quality standards and customer expectations.
• Conduct quality checks and address workmanship issues promptly.
• Identify and implement improvements to workshop processes, productivity, and efficiency.
• Work closely with Design, Sales, Warehouse, Field Services, and Operations teams to ensure smooth project delivery.
• Maintain a well‑organised workshop and promote high standards of housekeeping.
• Track workshop performance and contribute to reporting, resource planning, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Promote and lead a strong safety culture throughout the workshop.
• Ensure all work is carried out in accordance with health and safety requirements.
• Conduct safety inspections, toolbox talks, inductions, and ongoing training.
• Work closely with the Health & Safety Advisor to maintain a safe and compliant workplace.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Manufacturing processes

Production planning

Reading drawings

Education

NZ National Certificate Level 4 in Mechanical Engineering and Fabrication

Tools

Production management systems

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.

REL Group is seeking an experienced Workshop Foreman to lead a team of 10-15 workshop staff and oversee the day-to-day operation of our manufacturing workshop.

This is a hands-on role focused on production, quality, safety, and team performance. You'll plan workloads, keep projects moving, solve problems, and work alongside your team to ensure jobs are delivered safely, efficiently, and to a high standard.

You'll have the opportunity to lead a skilled team, influence how work gets done, and make a genuine impact on operational performance.

Leading a skilled and experienced workshop team.

Working on a diverse range of engineering and manufacturing projects.

Having the opportunity to improve systems and make a real impact.

A supportive, down-to-earth culture where your contribution is valued.

The chance to grow your leadership career within a successful and growing business.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the day-to-day operation of the workshop, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and to a high standard.

Plan and allocate daily and weekly workloads to maximise productivity and meet delivery deadlines.

Supervise, support, and develop workshop staff while maintaining accountability for performance and workmanship.

Lead from the front and work alongside the team when required.

Monitor workflow, labour resources, and production schedules to keep projects on track.

Interpret engineering drawings and ensure manufacturing requirements are clearly understood.

Ensure products meet REL quality standards and customer expectations.

Conduct quality checks and address workmanship issues promptly.

Identify and implement improvements to workshop processes, productivity, and efficiency.

Work closely with Design, Sales, Warehouse, Field Services, and Operations teams to ensure smooth project delivery.

Maintain a well‑organised workshop and promote high standards of housekeeping.

Track workshop performance and contribute to reporting, resource planning, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Health & Safety

Promote and lead a strong safety culture throughout the workshop.

Ensure all work is carried out in accordance with health and safety requirements.

Conduct safety inspections, toolbox talks, inductions, and ongoing training.

Work closely with the Health & Safety Advisor to maintain a safe and compliant workplace.

Lead by example and ensure safe work practices are consistently followed.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for a practical leader with a strong trade background, proven workshop experience, and a track record of leading teams and delivering results.

Strong fabrication and mechanical engineering experience.

Proven experience leading teams in a manufacturing, engineering, or production environment.

Strong understanding of workshop operations, manufacturing processes, and production planning.

Ability to organise workloads, prioritise tasks, and meet deadlines.

High level of problem-solving and decision‑making capability.

Experience reading and interpreting technical drawings.

Strong commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.

Excellent communication and people management skills.

Competent computer skills and experience with production management systems.

Qualifications

NZ National Certificate Level 4 (or higher) in Mechanical Engineering and Fabrication.

Minimum of 4 years' experience within mechanical engineering, fabrication, or agricultural engineering industries.

Previous leadership or supervisory experience.

Full NZ Driver Licence.

Forklift licence or certification.

Why Join REL?

REL Group is a family‑owned New Zealand business with a reputation for delivering quality engineering and manufacturing solutions. We value practical thinking, hard work, and people who take ownership of what they do.