Electrical Technician

About the opportunity

Watties is offering a permanent opening for an Electrical Technician to join the Tomoana team in Hastings, Hawke’s Bay. This role is ideal for someone who wants to build a long-term career in maintenance within a business known for internal progression and career development.

About the company

Kraft Heinz is a major global food and beverage business with eight brands valued at over $1 billion each and annual worldwide sales of around $25 billion. Its portfolio spans more than 200 established and newer brands sold in over 40 countries, covering categories such as condiments and sauces, cheese and dairy, meals, meats, drinks, coffee, and infant and nutrition products.

What you will do

• Carry out emergency electrical repairs, along with preventive and corrective maintenance on production and plant equipment.
• Find and fix issues involving motors, sensors, safety circuits, and industrial control systems.
• Install, service, and calibrate electrical machines and equipment.
• Log labour time, work orders, and spare parts consumption in the CMMS, such as Mainpac.
• Assist with predictive maintenance and condition monitoring tasks.
• Diagnose and maintain PLCs, HMIs, VSDs, and automation systems.
• Support commissioning and connection of new control systems and equipment.
• Keep electrical drawings and schematics current and accurate.
• Follow safe isolation procedures and Lock Out/Tag Out practices at all times.
• Work in line with food safety, quality, and regulatory obligations, including MAF requirements.
• Spot hazards, take part in risk assessments, and escalate concerns when needed.
• Help improve sustainability outcomes through efficient use of energy, water, and waste.
• Work alongside fitters, technicians, engineers, and production teams to reduce downtime.
• Coordinate with contractors, suppliers, and project teams on electrical and controls-related support.
• Take part in continuous improvement activities and problem-solving discussions.
• Provide support and coaching to apprentices when required.

What the role requires

• Registration as an NZ EWRB electrician with a current practising licence.
• Experience in industrial electrical work, preferably in FMCG or manufacturing.
• Well-developed fault-finding and troubleshooting ability.
• Working knowledge of sensors, machine timing, safety systems, and automation.
• Comfort using computers, including MS Office, CMMS tools, PLCs, and SCADA.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, including under pressure.
• Familiarity with PLC and automation software such as Rockwell or a similar platform.
• NZQA Level 4 Electrical Engineering qualification or an equivalent credential.
• LOTO certification, or willingness to complete it within the first month.
• Current NZ driver’s licence with a clean record.
• Good written and verbal communication, plus a strong team focus.
• Commitment to health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Ability to support a continuous 24/7 operation.
• Full legal right to work in New Zealand.

Additional information

This is a permanent full-time position based onsite in Hastings, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. The business notes that applications will be assessed as they are received and the advert may close early if the role is filled.

Growth and work environment

You’ll be joining a dynamic maintenance team with strong opportunities for internal development. The role suits someone who is motivated, team-oriented, and keen to learn while contributing to a high-performing production environment.