Production Lead

About us

We’re a well-established, family-owned New Zealand steel manufacturer with a proud history and a range of well-known brands. Our steel division produces high-quality cladding, flashings and doors for sheds and buildings across the country.

Strong growth means we’re opening a new branch in Christchurch, and we need a hands-on Production Lead to help run it.

About the role

This is a newly created role and a rare chance to set the standard at our growing Christchurch branch. Reporting to the Operations Manager, you’ll lead all production activity in Christchurch, making sure orders are produced safely, on time and in full. You’ll also oversee the logistics side of the operation, from planning truck loads to receiving inbound stock. In the early days you’ll be hands-on, and as the team grows you’ll step more into leading and developing your people, so you’ll need to be comfortable moving between the two.

You’ll build a capable and accountable production team, drive quality and continuous improvement, and take a growing share of ownership for planning.

What you’ll be doing

• Coaching and developing the rollforming, folding and loadout teams
• Planning and scheduling production to meet customer demand and delivery deadlines
• Running regular SIC meetings and keeping materials flowing through kanban systems
• Building a cross-skilled team that can work across any production role
• Driving quality control, root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Building a strong safety culture across the site
• Leading continuous improvement to reduce waste and lift productivity
• Owning KPI reporting and contributing to budgets and CAPEX proposals
• Planning truck routes and steel load plans with the Project Delivery Lead, ensuring compliance with NZ transport safety laws
• Overseeing inbound goods, including container devanning in line with MPI biosecurity guidelines
• Making sure stock is checked in and stored ready for production
• Assisting with packing and loadout of trucks

What you’ll bring

• Proven experience leading production teams in a manufacturing environment (steel, roll forming or building products experience is a real plus)
• A track record of planning and scheduling production to meet tight deadlines
• Strong knowledge of health and safety, quality systems and continuous improvement (Lean, kanban or similar)
• Confidence with KPIs, reporting and budgets
• Experience with load planning, freight or warehouse operations, and an understanding of NZ transport safety requirements
• Familiarity with MPI biosecurity requirements for container devanning (desirable)
• A calm, positive leadership style and the ability to lead a team through last-minute changes
• A practical, roll-your-sleeves-up attitude, and happy to step in on the floor when needed

What’s in it for you

• The chance to build and shape a new branch and team
• The stability of an established, family-owned NZ business with the energy of a growing one
• A supportive leadership team that values ownership and fresh thinking
• A staff tenure benefits programme and company bonus scheme
• One volunteer day per year
• Phone or phone allowance provided

How to apply

If you’re a production leader who’s ready to make your mark at a new branch, we’d love to hear from you. Click Apply and include your CV and a cover letter.