About Us 

New Zealand is renowned across the globe as one of the purest and natural places on Earth – It’s clean, green and simply beautiful, and King Country is possibly the jewel in that crown.  A fertile and naturally abundant land of rolling hills, ambling rivers and lush vegetation, perfect for cultivation of quality crops and livestock.  Almost a quarter of the local community is directly involved in Agriculture of some kind, including significant free range Sheep and Beef farms.

King Country Pet Food is based near Taumarunui at the centre of this historic region, set near the banks of the beautiful Whanganui river.  Our core values include having a strong, respectful connection to the local community, and we take pride in calling King Country our home.

As a new start up enterprise, and addition to New Zealand’s pet foods’ growing popularity amongst pet lovers the world over, we have a state-of-the-art plant and facilities, sourcing the finest ingredients to produce products to rival the best in the world.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Engineering Manager, we are seeking an experienced Maintenance Engineer with a food manufacturing, mechanical maintenance background, to join our busy team at King Country Pet Food. Working alongside our team of trade professionals, and supporting operations within the production facility, this role will ensure that work is planned and scheduled to industry best practice and executed in a timely manner. 

This role will additionally provide feedback for developing and improving maintenance plans and systems, support the quality and safety managers in audits and actively participate in health and safety meetings and toolbox talks on a regular basis.  

The ideal candidate will be someone who thrives in a collaborative environment, where initiative and good communication skills are essential.  Possessing the ability to communicate technical information in simple terms to internal personnel from a wide array of backgrounds and skillset levels will be highly valued.

You will be self-starter who is comfortable in an environment with shifting requirements, and able to pivot and prioritise work to ensure production down time is limited. 

Deveopment is encouraged, and mandatory workplace / health & safety training is provided. 

We are offering a full-time position, working a 40hr working week, with some occasional overtime and flexibility required around shift rostering in the future. 

Key Job / Role Responsibilities 

• participating in all work activities in alignment with best practice HSE standards

• ensuring all scheduled and non-scheduled work is completed efficiently and cost effectively.

• ensuring work orders are filled and lodged accurately and work is completed in a timely manner.

• effectively manage work from execution through to close-out of work orders

• assisting in the sharing of information and contributing technical expertise to other team members or the wider production team. 

• participating in development opportunities and mandatory training when required. 

Key Skills and Experience:

• must hold a tertiary or trade qualification in mechanical engineering  

• good understanding of routine maintenance / scheduling and compliance activities

• have 5+ years' experience in mechanical maintenance (preferably in a food manufacturing environment)

• Fabrication experience would be beneficial

• have experience working with and coordination with multiple trades.

• strong communication skills and the ability to directly communicate with all personnel, explaining issues or requirements in simple terms.

• good literacy and numeracy skills

• hands on approach, meticulous and detail focused.

• be experienced working safely under time pressure.

• adaptability / able to think on your feet.

 Desirable Skills or Experience (not essential):

• pet sector or meat industry experience.

• experience in a food manufacturing role.

• food safety and hygiene understanding 

• Workplace Health and Safety awareness. 

• Competent in Microsoft Office suite 

• Hands on approach, meticulous and detail focused.

• Ability to work safely under pressure and think on your feet.

Characteristics:

• People-centric with an eye for detail, is flexible and adaptable, and a natural problem solver, anticipating and reporting problems, and prepared to follow through on their resolution.

• Happy to take on board and follow instruction to modify plans if / when required.

• Positive attitude, motivated and enthusiastic.

• Prepared to deliver quality while managing time and resources;

• Prepared to persevere and maintain energy and enthusiasm despite setbacks and continue to work towards set goals:

• Trustworthy and reliable.

What's on our doorstep?

Mountains, forests, rivers, and lakes!  We encourage work life balance and are fortunate to have many outdoor activities nearby - hunting, fishing, kayaking, rafting, boating, golf, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, tramping, just to name a few. 

If you are looking for a change of pace and would embrace small town country / rural living, this is a fantastic opportunity to join a team who have come together to form a truly successful NZ Petfood business.  

To learn more about our business please visit our website:  www.kingcountrypetfood.com

How to apply

All applicants must be a NZ citizen, resident, or hold a valid NZ work visa.  We will not be reviewing CVs that do not meet these criteria. 

To apply for this job, please click 'apply now'.