Team Lead – Laser / Plasma / Press Brake

Work for one of NZ’s most advanced steel processing operations.

Our client is building a high-performing production operation and is seeking an experienced manufacturing Team Lead to take ownership of shift performance, safety, and team leadership within a modern steel processing environment.

This is a hands-on leadership role — ideal for someone who has come up through laser, plasma, press brake or heavy fabrication machinery and is ready to lead from the front.

The Role

Reporting to the Production Manager, you will own shift execution — ensuring production targets, quality standards, and safety expectations are consistently achieved.

You will lead Senior Operators and Operators while remaining technically capable on the floor.

Key Responsibilities

Production Delivery

• Own daily execution of the production schedule
• Ensure output meets quality and timing expectations
• Operate manufacturing machinery to best-practice standards
• Interpret technical drawings and job specifications
• Complete safety and maintenance checks
• Maintain housekeeping and workflow efficiency
• Support maintenance coordination when required

People Leadership

• Lead, coach and develop Operators and Senior Operators
• Set clear expectations and performance standards
• Manage labour planning and leave scheduling
• Onboard new team members effectively
• Create strong alignment across planning, maintenance, and production teams
• Maintain morale and team engagement under pressure

Health & Safety

• Drive a safety-first culture
• Ensure compliance with all site procedures
• Record and manage incidents appropriately
• Proactively identify and address risks

What We’re Looking For

This role requires a technically credible leader. It requires presence, technical credibility, and the ability to drive performance.

Essential:

• Proven experience leading a team in a manufacturing environment
• Strong background operating production machinery (laser, plasma, press brake, CNC or similar industrial plant)
• Experience interpreting technical drawings
• Physical material handling capability
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
• Calm, structured leadership style under production pressure

Highly Regarded Backgrounds:

• Structural Steel fabrication
• Heavy transport engineering
• Agricultural machinery manufacturing

What’s On Offer

• Competitive salary package
• Permanent, full-time stability
• Day and Night shift opportunities
• Overtime opportunities
• Night shift allowance (where applicable)
• Health insurance
• Gym membership support
• Paid volunteer/community service leave
• Long service leave
• Modern machinery and structured systems
• Strong cross-functional leadership environment

If you have progressed from operator to leader and are ready to own shift performance in a high-output manufacturing environment — apply now.