Head of Engineering & Maintenance

Millari NZ Ltd Sawmill based in Gisborne, NZ is seeking an experienced, hands-on Head of Engineering & Maintenance to lead our mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and maintenance functions across our timber manufacturing operations in Gisborne.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for someone who brings strong technical expertise, practical problem-solving skills and the ability to build an effective, accountable engineering and maintenance team.

About the Role

Reporting to the Executive General Manager, you'll take responsibility for plant reliability, preventative maintenance, engineering improvements and technical support across our sawmilling, veneer processing, LVL, plywood and drymill operations.

You'll work closely with GM - Site Operations and production leadership to minimise downtime, improve equipment performance and ensure engineering resources are effectively planned and managed.

We are looking for someone who can lead our experienced maintenance teams, bring structure, accountability and practical solutions to a busy industrial environment.

What You'll Be Responsible For

• Lead and develop our mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and maintenance teams.
• Oversee machinery breakdowns, fault-finding and permanent corrective solutions.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance programmes.
• Improve plant reliability, equipment availability and production efficiency.
• Plan and coordinate maintenance activities around operational priorities.
• Manage engineering contractors, suppliers, spare parts and maintenance resources.
• Provide technical oversight of plant installations, upgrades and commissioning.
• Drive safe engineering practices, machinery compliance and continuous improvement.
• Establish clear maintenance reporting, priorities and accountability.

What We're Looking For

• Trade qualification or equivalent experience in mechanical, electrical, hydraulics, mechatronics or related engineering.
• Proven experience leading maintenance or engineering teams in manufacturing or industrial environments.
• Strong technical knowledge of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
• Hands-on fault-finding, root-cause analysis and complex breakdown management.
• Experience with preventative maintenance, plant reliability and continuous improvement.
• Exposure to automation, PLCs, industrial controls or engineering projects.
• Strong people leadership, planning, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing contractors, maintenance budgets and operational priorities.
• A practical, safety-focused approach with the ability to empower teams and drive accountability.
• Experience in timber manufacturing, sawmilling, LVL, plywood or continuous manufacturing environments.
• Why Join Millari NZ?

• Millari NZ is building a stronger future for timber manufacturing in Tairāwhiti.
• We are developing our people, strengthening our operations and expanding our manufacturing capability.
• This is an opportunity to take ownership of a critical business function, work closely with senior leadership and make a genuine impact on plant performance and long-term operational success.
• Ready to Take the Lead?

If you're an experienced engineering or maintenance leader who enjoys solving problems, developing teams and driving operational improvements, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply through SEEK with your CV and a brief cover letter, or feel free to reach out for a confidential chat to learn more about the opportunity. Contact Eleanor at [email protected]

All applications and enquiries will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. We will be shortlisting and interviewing suitable candidates as applications are received, so early applications are encouraged.