CNC Joiner / Cabinetmaker

Role Overview

PlyLab Furniture & Kitchens is hiring a full-time Joiner / CNC Operator for its Petone, Wellington workshop. The role is a 40-hour-per-week position with a salary range of NZ$56,000 to NZ$63,000. The business produces high-end plywood kitchens and furniture across New Zealand, and the team is seeking someone who values precision, order, ongoing improvement, and high standards in their work.

This position suits someone who wants to develop real craft expertise rather than simply get by. The work changes from day to day and includes CNC machining, cabinet assembly, quality checking, workshop organisation, troubleshooting, and improving processes and systems.

Application Expectations

The company asks applicants to submit a 1–2 minute WhatsApp video as part of the application process. Candidates should introduce themselves, explain why they would be a strong fit, share what they have built or achieved, and describe why they want to join PlyLab. A personality assessment is considered a plus. The business states that it is looking for top performers who take ownership, maintain quality, and act on their own initiative.

No calls or text messages will be answered on the contact number provided for the video submission.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate the HOMAG CNC machine for machining tasks.
• Carry out cabinet assembly and finishing work.
• Inspect output for quality and help solve production issues.
• Maintain a tidy, well-organised workshop using 3S principles.
• Assist with installation work when needed.
• Contribute ideas and effort toward ongoing improvements in systems and workflows.

Candidate Profile

The ideal person is punctual, detail-focused, organised, quick to learn, and comfortable taking responsibility for their work. A positive mindset, strong work ethic, and willingness to keep improving are essential.

The company is clear that it values accountability, quality, and initiative, and is not suited to people who prefer to cut corners, avoid structure, or rely on constant supervision.

Skills and Experience

• Cabinetmaking or joinery background
• Experience with CNC machinery
• Familiarity with WoodWOP, IMOS, or HOMAG systems is helpful
• Strong attention to detail
• Practical problem-solving ability
• Ability to work methodically and follow systems
• Workshop organisation
• Quality control
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Clear and honest communication

Requirements

• Valid New Zealand manual driver licence.
• Ability to drive a long wheelbase manual van.
• Relevant cabinetmaking or joinery experience.
• Willingness to learn new systems and tools quickly.
• Strong sense of ownership and responsibility.
• Comfort working in a structured, accountability-driven environment.

What Fits This Role

• Take pride in producing quality work.
• Like leaving a workspace better than you found it.
• Enjoy learning and improving over time.
• Work well within defined systems.
• Communicate openly and honestly.
• Notice problems and help solve them.

What Will Not Suit You

• Cutting corners or accepting “good enough”.
• Making excuses or shifting blame.
• Disliking structure and accountability.
• Needing constant supervision.
• Lacking interest in improvement or quality.

Growth Opportunities

For the right person, the role could lead to progression into Senior Joiner, CNC Specialist, Production Lead, IMOS Detailer, or Continuous Improvement Leader.

Mandatory Reading Before Trial

Before any trial, applicants are expected to read the following books that influence how the team works:

• 2 Second Lean by Paul Akers
• Elevating Construction Superintendents by Jason Schroeder, Part 2, Principles 1–11

Additional Information

Applicants are encouraged to include a personality assessment with their application. The company says this is an “A-player” role and is seeking people who are motivated to build excellent systems, products, and team culture.