Maintenance Lead - Expression of Interest (NZ)

About the Role

We invite applications from experienced Maintenance Leads interested in joining Kraft Heinz's operations across Hawkes Bay and Tomoana in Hastings, New Zealand. This initiative serves as a talent pool for forthcoming vacancies throughout 2026, offering exciting career advancement opportunities within a global FMCG leader.

Company Overview

Kraft Heinz ranks among the world's largest food and beverage companies, boasting eight brands each surpassing $1 billion in sales and achieving global revenues near $25 billion. Its expansive product lineup spans condiments, cheeses, meals, meats, beverages, nutrition products, and many other grocery items marketed in over 40 countries.

Key Responsibilities

• Track and enhance maintenance key performance indicators such as reliability, breakdown rates, preventive maintenance completion, and work order fulfillment.
• Lead the implementation, compliance, and continuous improvement of the maintenance management system (KHMS) on-site.
• Oversee maintenance execution during shifts, ensuring adherence to schedules, quality standards, cost controls, and safety regulations.
• Promote and enforce Kraft Heinz's Golden Safety Rules and strictly follow site maintenance protocols.
• Coach and develop fitters and technicians, assessing maintenance capabilities and performance on production lines.
• Collaborate with Maintenance Planners to prioritize and schedule weekly maintenance activities.
• Own machinery reliability by directing troubleshooting, conducting inspections, and enhancing preventive maintenance processes.
• Maintain precise maintenance documentation within CMMS platforms (e.g., SAP/Mainpac) and support staff training in system use.
• Handle personnel administration including rostering, leave coordination, timesheets, and accurate payroll management for team members.
• Lead recruitment, supervision, and professional development of maintenance and electrical technicians as well as contractors; participate in budget management and cost control.

Candidate Profile

• Preferably holds a Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical discipline or possesses comparable experience.
• Demonstrated leadership skills managing teams in a manufacturing environment.
• Substantial hands-on maintenance expertise within manufacturing settings.
• Technical proficiency covering packaging/mechanical equipment, electrical systems, instrumentation, controls/electronics, and utilities.
• Strong capability to motivate, train, direct, and evaluate a diverse workforce.
• Proven effectiveness in planning and guiding teams through organizational changes in large-scale enterprises.
• Competent with Microsoft Office tools and computerized maintenance management systems.
• Experienced in supporting continuous 24/7 operations including shift work dynamics.
• Must have full legal working rights to operate in New Zealand.

Benefits

• Competitive remuneration augmented with performance-linked bonuses.
• Generous parental leave provisions for both primary and secondary caregivers.
• Flexible leave options such as purchased leave, volunteer leave, and wellness-focused LiveWell leave programs.
• Access to extensive in-house training avenues.
• Employee discount programs at corporate level.

Additional Information

Locations: Tomoana & Hawkes Bay (Hastings, New Zealand). Kraft Heinz is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, including underrepresented ethnic groups, women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.