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Maintenance Team Leader

General Information

Date Published
29-Jul-2026
Advertising Ends
12-Aug-2026
ID#
16406
Role Type
Trades and Services
Work Type
Permanent Full-Time
Workplace Type
On-site
Country
New Zealand
Location
Southland

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
Established in 1881, our Edendale manufacturing site is New Zealand’s oldest dairy processing site and with 13 plants, we produce 14 million bags of milk powder each year for export and process up to 15 million litres of milk every day in peak season. Our site is expanding with significant investment to build a new ultra-high temperature (UHT) cream plant.

About the Opportunity | Mō tēnei tūranga
Working closely with Production and Reliability teams, you will coordinate maintenance activities across a shift-based manufacturing environment, ensuring resources, priorities and work plans are aligned to maximise equipment reliability and minimise downtime. You'll play a key role in developing your team, building capability, and driving a culture of continuous improvement.
 
Reporting to the Maintenance Manager, your key responsibilities will include:
• Providing coaching and guidance to the Edendale Maintenance Team.
• Coordinating maintenance activities and resources to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently and to a high standard.
• Supporting the ongoing development and upskilling of the maintenance team
• Delivering and implementation of maintenance improvement initiatives and breakdown elimination strategies.
• Driving asset reliability and operational performance through proactive maintenance planning, breakdown elimination and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Contributing to equipment asset management strategies and preventive maintenance standards.
• Promoting maintenance best practice and continuous improvement across the site.
• Building strong working relationships with Production and other key stakeholders to achieve operational goals.
     

About You | Mōu
We're looking for an emerging or experienced people leader with a background in mechanical or electrical maintenance within a fast-paced shift environment.
 
You are someone who enjoys developing people, balancing operational priorities and creating a positive team culture. Your strong communication skills, practical approach and ability to influence across teams will contribute to your success
 
This opportunity is ideal for someone who has already had exposure to coordinating maintenance activities and guiding others, and is looking to further develop their leadership career.
 
Additional skills you'll bring:
• Certified Mechanical or Electrical Trade Qualification (or equivalent).
• Experience coordinating maintenance teams, contractors or tradespeople in a shift-based or manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor and develop team members.
• Proven technical expertise and a passion for sharing knowledge with others.
• Sound problem-solving skills, including experience applying RCA methodologies.
• Experience planning and prioritising maintenance activities to meet operational needs.
• Working knowledge of maintenance management systems (CMMS), such as SAP.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
 

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 Wednesday 12th August 2026