Maintenance Lead - Expression of Interest (Hastings, New Zealand)

Expression of Interest - Maintenance Lead

Kraft Heinz invites skilled Maintenance Leads interested in roles at our Hawke's Bay & Tomoana sites in Hastings, New Zealand, for 2026 to express their interest. This opportunity allows candidates to join a global FMCG leader recognized for extensive career growth and competitive compensation including an annual bonus and excellent benefits.

About Kraft Heinz

Kraft Heinz is a dominant global food and beverage corporation managing over 200 brands across 40 countries, generating nearly $25 billion in sales. Our diverse portfolio spans condiments, dairy, meals, meats, beverages, coffee, infant nutrition, and more.

Core Responsibilities

• Oversee and enhance maintenance performance indicators such as reliability, breakdowns, scheduled maintenance completion, and service request fulfilment.
• Lead the implementation, compliance, and ongoing enhancement of Kraft Heinz's Maintenance Management System (KHMS) on the plant floor.
• Manage and support shift maintenance activities ensuring adherence to timelines, quality standards, cost controls, and safety policies.
• Champion the Kraft Heinz Golden Safety Rules, maintaining compliance for all maintenance activities as per site protocols.
• Mentor and develop technical staff including fitters and technicians, assessing their readiness and performance on production lines.
• Coordinate with the Maintenance Planner to plan and prioritize weekly maintenance tasks effectively.
• Take responsibility for machinery reliability, leading troubleshooting efforts, inspections, and improvements in preventative maintenance.
• Keep detailed, accurate maintenance records and reports using CMMS systems such as SAP/Mainpac and provide training to users when necessary.
• Handle administrative tasks for personnel including rostering, leave arrangements, timesheets, and payroll accuracy for direct reports.
• Lead recruitment, supervision, and development of maintenance and electrical technicians and outside contractors while participating in budgeting and cost management.

Candidate Profile

• Possession of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical discipline or appropriate equivalent experience.
• Proven leadership background in a manufacturing maintenance setting.
• Extensive hands-on experience in manufacturing maintenance environments.
• Robust technical knowledge encompassing packaging, mechanical operations, electrical systems, instrumentation, controls/electronics, and utilities management.
• Strong interpersonal and team leadership skills with the ability to motivate, coach, and manage team performance.
• Experience with strategic planning and navigating operational changes within large corporate environments.
• Competency in Microsoft Office applications and computerized maintenance management systems.
• Capacity to operate and support continuous 24/7 production shifts.
• Legal eligibility to work in New Zealand with full authorization.

Employee Benefits

• Performance-linked pay schemes delivering competitive base salaries plus variable compensation tied to company and personal achievements.
• Inclusive paid parental leave for primary and secondary caregivers.
• Flexible leave options including purchased leave, volunteer leave, and wellness-oriented leave programs.
• Access to internal training schemes aimed at professional development.
• Corporate discounts and offers for employees.

Additional Information

This role is based onsite in Tomoana and Hawke's Bay, Hastings, New Zealand. The company promotes equal opportunity employment across diverse groups including ethnic minorities, women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and those of varied sexual orientation and gender identity.

Applications are reviewed continuously, and the company reserves the right to close the vacancy early. Candidates passionate about teamwork and professional growth are encouraged to submit their expressions of interest promptly.