Manufacturing Lead

ETEL Ltd is New Zealand’s leading manufacturer of distribution transformers, known for delivering excellence and living our values every day. Our vision of connecting people to power underpins our work and our culture, where people are valued, supported, and encouraged to grow.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated *Manufacturing Lead* to join our Production team.

*About the Role*

Reporting to the Head of Manufacturing, this role is responsible for leading a defined production area and delivering consistent performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people. You will play a key role in translating operational plans into disciplined execution, while building team capability and driving sustained performance outcomes.

This is a hands-on leadership role with a strong presence on the shop floor, focused on driving operational stability, resolving performance challenges, and enabling continuous improvement.

*What You’ll Be Responsible For*

Leading day-to-day manufacturing operations within your area

Driving safe, high-quality and efficient production outcomes

Building team capability through coaching, training and performance management

Owning and improving performance across key operational measures

Identifying and resolving issues impacting production performance

Supporting and embedding continuous improvement initiatives

Working cross-functionally to ensure smooth and effective operations

*About You*

You are a confident and practical leader who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You bring a strong focus on people, performance and continuous improvement, with the ability to lead from the front and build a high-performing team.

Your experience could come from a range of manufacturing environments. Experience leading fabrication, industrial painting/coatings, sheet metal or similar operations would be particularly valuable, but we are equally interested in strong manufacturing leaders who bring transferable technical and operational experience.

*You will ideally bring*

Proven leadership experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment

Strong understanding of production operations and workflow

Proven ability to lead teams, manage performance and develop capability

Experience applying Lean principles or leading continuous improvement initiatives

A strong commitment to safety, quality and operational discipline

Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to respond to changing priorities

*Preferred Skills & Experience*

Experience in fabrication, industrial painting/coatings, sheet metal, engineering or other relevant manufacturing environments

A relevant trade or technical qualification, or equivalent practical manufacturing experience

Exposure to Lean methodologies, such as Lean Six Sigma, and modern manufacturing practices

Experience in medium to high-volume production environments

Experience working in regulated or safety-critical environments

*Why Join ETEL?*

Be part of a growing organisation focused on operational excellence

Opportunity to shape team performance and capability

Work in a collaborative and supportive environment

Contribute to meaningful work supporting critical infrastructure

*How to Apply*

If you are looking for your next manufacturing leadership opportunity and want to make a real impact on production performance and team capability, we’d love to hear from you.