Lead Engineer

Lead Plant Reliability & Mentor the Team | Lead Engineer
Search Recruitment has partnered with Prolam to recruit a hands-on Lead Engineer for their operations in Tasman. In this role, you will keep the site's plant and equipment safe, reliable, and available for production by delivering preventative maintenance, driving root-cause repairs, and coordinating day-to-day site engineering work while acting as a vital communication bridge across all site teams.

Learn more about Prolam and their innovative engineered timber solutions here: https://youtu.be/8ss8NF6GieQ?si=hMR5pe-1-bcHemUp

What’s in it for You?

• Attractive Compensation Package: $50.00 – $55.00/hr + fully maintained company vehicle, phone, and laptop. Overtime paid at 1.5x for hours worked over 45.5 hrs/week.
• Relocation Support Available: Relocating to the region? Contribution is available for the right candidate.
• Supportive Team Environment: Join a down-to-earth crew where people look out for one another and genuinely enjoy working together.
• High-Impact Leadership: Step into a role with genuine ownership to shape maintenance planning, coordinate site priorities, and drive down unplanned downtime.
• Capability Building: Guide, coach, and support apprentices and maintenance engineers to grow their skills in a positive team culture.
• Values-Led Culture (BEAM): Join a company that actively lives its values: Be Straight Up, Empower Others, Act Like You Own It, and Make It Better.
• Tasman Lifestyle: Base yourself in one of New Zealand’s top lifestyle regions with great weather, outdoor adventure, and vibrant local communities.

Our Values — Aim for BEAM.
At Prolam, how we show up everyday matters.

• B — BE STRAIGHT UP: No shortcuts. Tell the truth. Do the right thing.
• E — EMPOWER OTHERS: Have each other's backs. Listen, help and share.
• A — ACT LIKE YOU OWN IT: Take ownership. Work safe. Be accountable.
• M — MAKE IT BETTER: Raise the bar. Innovate, improve and lead.

Key Responsibilities

• Site-Wide Communication & Alignment: Act as a key communication focal point across the business—maintaining strong, proactive relationships with all Maintenance Engineers, the Operations Manager, and machine operators on the production floor.
• Maintenance Planning & Delivery: Build and adjust the site preventative maintenance (PM) programme, track adherence, and plan smooth shutdowns alongside the Engineering Manager.
• Diagnostic Problem-Solving: Lead complex fault-finding efforts to fix breakdowns at the root cause rather than applying quick patches.
• Workflow Coordination: Prioritise day-to-day engineering tasks with production and ensure clear handovers between shifts so nothing falls through the cracks.
• Mentorship & Coaching: Support apprentices and maintenance engineers on the job through everyday coaching, clear guidance, and skill sign-offs.
• Safe Systems of Work: Ensure correct isolations, risk assessments, and safe protocols are strictly followed on every job.
• Continuous Improvement: Spot recurring plant failures and turn them into long-term site improvements while keeping parts inventory and work order records accurate.

What You Bring

• Background & Experience: Proven technical capability in mechanical maintenance, fault-finding, and planning within manufacturing, heavy industry, timber, or trade environments.
• Strong Communication Skills: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to connect effectively across all levels—from machine operators on the floor to senior site management.
• Leadership & Coordination: Ability to organise day-to-day workflow, guide peers and apprentices, and coordinate effectively without direct line authority.
• Safety Focus: Uncompromising commitment to health and safety, proper isolations, and zero-harm standards.
• Alignment with BEAM Values: A straight-up approach, accountability, a team-first mindset, and a commitment to moving from reactive to proactive maintenance.

How to Apply
Applications will be reviewed as received, so early submission is encouraged. Apply now to submit your CV.

For a confidential discussion about the role or compensation, contact Katie Adams at Search Recruitment on [021 222 7641](tel:021 222 7641) or email [email protected]