Field Service Manager - Crown Forklifts Palmerston North

About the company

Crown Equipment has supported New Zealand businesses and communities for more than 45 years as a material handling equipment provider. With a broad network of sales and service branches across the North and South Islands, the business is recognised for skilled people, dependable products, strong parts and service support, and advanced technology.

Role overview

This is a varied leadership position within the Lower North Island Service team, reporting to the regional Service Manager. You will help lead an experienced group of service technicians across the Manawatu and Taranaki area while contributing to the achievement of annual financial and operational service goals, planned maintenance completion, and high standards of customer service.

The role focuses on improving team productivity and resource planning, strengthening technician engagement, and working closely with customers to help keep their operations running smoothly. You will also partner with the Sales team to support customer retention and overall satisfaction across the region.

This is a permanent, full-time role based in Palmerston North, with work scheduled Monday to Friday.

What you will be doing

• Support the delivery of annual financial and operational service targets.
• Oversee planned maintenance programme completion and service performance.
• Manage technician productivity and resourcing across the region.
• Engage with technicians to promote collaboration and effective service delivery.
• Work directly with customers to improve service quality, response time, and product performance.
• Coordinate with the Sales team to strengthen customer retention and satisfaction.
• Build your knowledge of Crown products and use available training resources to grow within the business.

Candidate profile

We are looking for someone with 1-2 years of leadership experience, along with experience in material handling equipment, auto electrical work, diesel mechanical work, mechanical trades, or a similar trade qualification, including an equivalent overseas qualification. Preference will be given to suitable local candidates.

You should be customer-focused, practical in your approach, and comfortable finding solutions that help clients trust the service they receive. Success in this role also depends on being a strong team player, having confidence with IT systems, learning quickly, and building good working relationships. Strong attention to detail and physical fitness are important, as manual handling will be part of the job.

What’s on offer

• Market-rate pay of $100,000 to $115,000 per year plus a vehicle.
• Access to a supportive environment with real opportunities for learning and career growth.
• A collaborative team culture backed by a large, established organisation.
• The chance to work with a trusted forklift industry supplier.
• Clear career pathways, including the possibility of long-term development within trade and sales roles.

Additional information

This position is permanent and full time, with working days from Monday through Friday. The business highlights long-term employee retention, with some people staying for up to 25 years while building varied careers.