Job Name
Asset Lead
Asset Lead, Lichfield (3-months Fixed-Term)
General Information
Date Published
25-May-2026
Advertising Ends
01-Jun-2026
ID#
15699
Role Type
Manufacturing
Work Type
Fixed-Term Full-Time
Workplace Type
On-site
Country
New Zealand
Location
Taupo & Southern Waikato
Position Description
Imagine Tomorrow with Us | Ata whakaarohia tō āpōpō
At Fonterra Te Mātāpuna, we want everyone to feel they can be themselves.
Whether you're early in your career or ready for your next step, Fonterra offers a unique opportunity to grow with a global dairy co-operative that values care, collaboration, and contribution.
Owned by New Zealand dairy farmers and supported by a dedicated team, we are all working together to create a better future. Imagine tomorrow with us, where your career can grow, and you can create positive change.
About us | He kupu mō mātou
Our Lichfield site sits in the heart of the Waikato, manufacturing a range of products including whole milk powder, whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate used in medical and nutritional products as well as a range of award-winning cheeses exported internationally to a global market!
About the Opportunity | Mō tēnei tūranga
Run To Target (RTT) is a core COO strategy to deliver continuous performance improvement by enabling leadership, with frontline teams, to build a high-performance culture. RTT is a line-focused approach to building the capability to rigorously maintain and execute standardised work
processes to eliminate losses. It delivers one way of working that is practiced in over 500 sites worldwide, including Fonterra's global operations.
Reporting to the Lichfield Cheese Line Manager, the Asset Lead provides hands-on leadership, mentoring and coaching to the Maintenance and Services Team to enable the achievement of the site strategy and world class standards in health and safety, food safety and quality, employee engagement, asset management, continuous improvement, sustainability and customer service.
The Asset Lead is responsible for managing the effective deployment of the asset care program and performance of the maintenance teams. They must ensure that the planned maintenance program, plus the response or reactive work, is executed in the most effective way possible.
As a member of the Site Leadership team, the Asset Lead plays an integral role in the strategic direction setting, leadership and delivery of the overall site strategies and contributes to performance within a national engineering portfolio.
Key responsibilities Include:
- Lead daily asset care and maintenance prioritisation
- Drive root cause problem-solving for chronic losses
- Create and manage the plant’s maintenance plan
- Coach teams in defect handling and reliability practices
- Define and maintain equipment base condition standards
- Support the plant manager with day-to-day tasks
- Assist in upholding validation requirements in manufacturing operations
- This is a hands-on leadership role for someone passionate about asset care, reliability, and continuous improvement.
*Please note this is a 3-month secondment.
About You | Mōu
You will bring valuable experience within a similar role. We’re looking for:
- Completion of the Maintenance Lead Step-Up Card or formal engineering qualification
- Proven experience in asset care and reliability improvement
- Strong understanding of engineering principles and lean manufacturing
- Ability to lead teams and coach others in maintenance practices
- Experience managing risk, cost, and compliance
Our Values | Ngā Aura
At Fonterra, our values of Good Together, Better Every Day, and Every Drop Counts, are for everyone – no matter your background, identify or experience. These values guide us in delivering exceptional outcomes for our farmers, customers, communities, and each other. Discover how your values align with ours by taking our Values Quiz
Our Commitment to You | Tā mātou oati
We care for our people globally. Our comprehensive benefits support your well-being, development, and work-life balance:
- Fair and equitable pay
- Health and well-being programs (medical, mental health support)
- Professional development opportunities
- Career growth support
- Work-life balance options (flexible/hybrid working where possible)
- Employee recognition
- Support for community involvement and cultural connection
To learn more, visit Fonterra Careers
A Career of Opportunities | Ngā Mahi
At Fonterra, we are inspired by purpose and guided by our principles and values. Together, we create goodness for generations and make a global impact at a local level. As part of our Co-operative, you are an everyday creator, imagining what Fonterra, dairy, and you can be here.
Join Us | Tātou Tātou
Does this sound good to you? Come join our whānau - bring your whole self, and let's solve for better together.
You, me, us together, Tātou, tātou.
Together, we're shaping a future of inclusion | He Wāhi mō te Katoa
Inclusion is key to our Co-operative. We're building a team that reflects the diverse world we live in, believing it drives better decisions and innovation.
We welcome applications from all backgrounds (ethnicities, genders, identities, orientations, ages, abilities, neurotypes, cultures, religions).
Even if you don't meet every requirement listed, we encourage you to apply; we value your potential and growth.
If you face accessibility issues or need accommodations during the process, please contact your recruiter. We ensure fair participation, allowing you to be at your best. Tātou, tātou.
Applications close at midnight on Monday 01st June.
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