Trades Supervisor
Company Description
AFFCO is a high‑performing and dynamic leader within the New Zealand meat industry. Established in 1904, AFFCO holds over 120 years of expertise in supplying top‑quality meat products to the world.
Our Corporate Head Office is based in the Waikato, the agricultural heart of New Zealand, and supports more than 4,000 employees across the country. AFFCO operates 11 processing sites nationwide, with international offices in the USA, UK and Hong Kong, exporting to over 80 countries. We are 100% New Zealand‑owned and operated as part of the Talley’s Group – one of New Zealand’s leading exporters of meat, dairy, seafood, and vegetable products.
Job Description
AFFCO Castlecliff is seeking an experienced and motivated Trades Supervisor to join our Engineering Team. Reporting to the Engineering Manager, this is a hands-on leadership role responsible for supporting day-to-day maintenance, reliability and improvement projects. As the Trades Supervisor, you will play a key role in coordinating maintenance activities, leading trades personnel and contractors, responding to breakdowns, and driving preventative maintenance initiatives to maximise plant performance and minimise downtime.
The Trades Supervisor position combines practical engineering expertise with leadership responsibilities. You will work closely with operational teams and plant management to ensure maintenance activities are completed safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively. The role ranges from hands-on repair work through to project coordination, shutdown planning, asset management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate and supervise fitters, electricians, maintenance personnel, contractors and external service providers.
- Lead and prioritise plant breakdown responses to minimise production downtime.
- Support planning and execution of preventative maintenance programmes.
- Assist with roster planning and resource allocation across shifts.
- Maintain and manage repair and maintenance (R&M) activities and priorities.
- Work collaboratively with the Maintenance Planner on annual shutdown planning and budgeting.
- Support compliance systems, asset management programmes, and maintenance reporting.
- Build strong working relationships across production, engineering, and management teams.
- Provide leadership, coaching, and development to trades personnel.
- Champion a strong safety culture and ensure engineering activities are completed to AFFCO safety standards.
Qualifications
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- A relevant engineering or electrical trade qualification.
- Previous experience in industrial maintenance, manufacturing, food processing, or a similar heavy industrial environment.
- Proven experience leading or supervising trades teams.
- Strong fault-finding and troubleshooting skills.
- Experience coordinating maintenance activities and contractor management.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
- A proactive approach to continuous improvement and plant reliability.
- A commitment to health, safety, and developing a positive team culture.
Additional Information
- The successful candidate will be rewarded with:
- A supportive and experienced site leadership team
- A varied and hands‑on mechanical role with autonomy
- Opportunities for development and progression
- Competitive remuneration
If you are a motivated tradesperson who takes pride in high‑quality workmanship and enjoys working in a fast‑paced industrial environment, please apply online today!
To ensure a safe workplace, AFFCO engages in pre‑employment medical checks and drug screening. By applying for this role, you agree to undertake the necessary pre‑employment screening.
