Maintenance Engineer Leader

About the role

Essity is looking for a Maintenance Leader to join the Kawerau team and take ownership of maintenance leadership within the Converting area. In this role, you will focus on improving equipment reliability, strengthening continuous improvement, and shaping a positive, high-performing team environment. This is a leadership position centered on guiding people, systems, and performance rather than personally carrying out tool-based maintenance work.

You will be responsible for building a practical long-term maintenance approach, promoting world-class engineering standards, developing team capability, and supporting delivery of production and improvement objectives. The role contributes directly to safe, efficient, and dependable manufacturing operations.

Key responsibilities

• Lead a multi-disciplinary maintenance team and create a culture that supports safety, reliability, ownership, and ongoing improvement.
• Set clear expectations, manage performance, and build capability through coaching, feedback, and structured development plans.
• Drive preventive and proactive maintenance methods that improve equipment uptime and overall reliability.
• Introduce and strengthen TPM Zero to 100 and Asset Maintenance Management practices to minimise repeat faults and improve asset care.
• Promote a strong zero-harm approach by ensuring risk assessments, permits, and lockout/tagout controls are applied effectively.
• Use engineering discipline, root-cause analysis, and accurate records in line with OEM guidance and site procedures.
• Manage maintenance expenditure through efficient planning, practical resource allocation, and better spare-parts control.
• Use CMMS data and operational insights to prioritise work, improve MTBF, reduce MTTR, and stop issues from recurring.
• Work closely with Production, Engineering, RST, and external vendors to align priorities and improve asset reliability.
• Support the annual production plan and OEE targets while leading continuous improvement through strong team execution.

About you

You are an experienced maintenance leader who understands that strong operational results come from capable and engaged teams. You are motivated by equipment reliability, continuous improvement, and developing people to perform at a high level.

• You have led and developed teams in a 24/7 manufacturing environment and have a proven record of improving performance, engagement, and capability.
• You bring strong people leadership skills, including performance management, coaching, and building inclusive teams.
• You hold qualifications in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, or you have equivalent knowledge gained through experience in high-volume production environments such as FMCG and/or round-the-clock operations.
• You are confident with planned and reactive maintenance and have hands-on experience using CMMS tools such as SAP, IFS, Maximo, or Infor.
• You are comfortable using root-cause tools like 5-Why and Fishbone and making decisions based on data and evidence.
• You communicate clearly and respectfully and collaborate well across departments and with external partners.

Nice to have

It would be an advantage if you also have experience with SAP enterprise systems, HSE&R ISO standards, paper manufacturing, condition monitoring, CMRP certification, or CI/Lean methods.

What we offer

Essity offers a workplace focused on wellbeing, growth, and meaningful impact. You will be part of a collaborative and open environment where authenticity, respect, and passion for the work are valued.

• A dynamic team culture built on authenticity, respect, and enthusiasm for the work
• A competitive annual salary of $100,000 to $130,000, depending on experience
• Fully funded Wellbeing One Southern Cross medical insurance, including free yearly health checks and doctor visits
• Free income protection, permanent disability cover, and life insurance
• Free annual flu vaccinations, an annual wellness day, and free onsite parking

Additional information

Applications are encouraged early. The posting also notes an application end date and a job requisition ID: Essity260206.

Work location

This role is based in Kawerau, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand and is an onsite, full-time position.