Mechanical Supervisor

Benmore Hydro Project | Permanent or fixed-term options

$130,000 to $140,000 + vehicle | Accommodation provided | Living-away allowance

Lead mechanical delivery on one of New Zealand’s most distinctive hydro projects

Benmore is New Zealand’s largest earth dam and its second-largest hydro station, generating enough renewable electricity to power around 298,000 homes.

Seipp Construction is delivering complex seismic strengthening works across Benmore’s six concrete penstocks. Each penstock is approximately 5.2 metres in diameter, runs for around 120 metres down a 37-degree slope and forms an essential part of an operating power station.

The mechanical scope is anything but routine. It includes structural steel installation, specialised hydraulic and jacking systems, bearing replacements, dampers, heavy lifting and precision installation within a steep and highly controlled operating environment.

We are looking for an experienced Mechanical Supervisor to take charge of the day-to-day mechanical work fronts and help deliver this technically challenging project safely, properly and on programme.

You will lead skilled tradespeople, coordinate subcontractors and work closely with the project, civil, electrical, commissioning and client teams. You will have genuine responsibility for planning the work, organising resources, maintaining quality and resolving issues before they affect delivery.

We are open to either:

• A permanent appointment with Seipp, with longer-term opportunities across our growing mechanical and infrastructure project pipeline; or
• A fixed-term arrangement focused on delivering the Benmore project.

A rostered working arrangement is expected. For eligible candidates working away from home, Seipp will provide accommodation and pay a living-away allowance.

What you will be doing

You will provide visible, practical leadership across the mechanical work programme, including:

• Leading and coordinating daily mechanical work fronts
• Planning labour, plant, equipment, materials and subcontractor requirements
• Leading effective pre-start meetings and toolbox talks
• Ensuring JSEAs, permits and critical controls are understood and followed
• Monitoring progress against the programme and resolving barriers early
• Coordinating interfaces with civil, electrical, commissioning and client teams
• Ensuring installations meet drawings, specifications and quality requirements
• Completing inspections and supporting accurate QA documentation
• Coordinating lifting, rigging and other high-risk mechanical activities
• Managing defects promptly and minimising rework
• Monitoring labour productivity and raising potential variations early
• Coaching and developing Leading Hands and tradespeople
• Maintaining strong relationships with the client, suppliers and subcontractors

What you will bring

You will ideally have:

• A Mechanical Fitter trade qualification or equivalent
• Proven experience supervising mechanical construction teams
• Experience on hydro, industrial, water, heavy infrastructure or similarly complex projects
• Strong knowledge of mechanical installation practices
• The ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications
• Experience planning complex work and coordinating multiple work fronts
• A practical understanding of construction safety, quality and productivity
• Experience coordinating subcontractors
• Clear communication and a calm, organised leadership style
• A current full New Zealand driver licence

Experience in hydro generation, pump stations, water treatment, structural steel installation, heavy lifting, rigging, welding inspection or commissioning would be valuable.

Confined Space, Working at Heights, First Aid and Site Safe Supervisor training would also be an advantage.

What is on offer

• $130,000 to $140,000, depending on experience
• Company vehicle
• Accommodation while working away from home
• Living-away allowance
• Rostered working arrangement
• Private health insurance for permanent employees
• Permanent or fixed-term employment options
• A significant role on a nationally important renewable energy project
• Longer-term opportunities across Seipp’s growing project pipeline
• Support from an experienced project and operational leadership team

About Seipp

Seipp is a growing New Zealand infrastructure construction company delivering complex projects across the country.

We are practical, delivery focused and serious about doing the job properly. Our leaders are expected to be visible, set clear standards and create an environment where people can speak up and perform at their best.

For this role, that means planning ahead, maintaining safe and well-organised work fronts, protecting quality and helping the people around you succeed.

If you are an experienced mechanical leader looking for technically challenging work, genuine responsibility and a strong overall package, we would like to hear from you.

Apply now with your CV or contact us for a confidential conversation about the role, roster and employment options.