Maintenance Electrician

About the Role

Silver Fern Farms Takapau is seeking a skilled and driven Maintenance Electrician to strengthen its engineering function. The role focuses on practical, day-to-day electrical maintenance, fault resolution, and reliability improvements across a large industrial food processing site. You will also support repairs, preventative maintenance, and broader engineering activity within a stable and progressive team.

The Takapau site in Central Hawke's Bay is the company’s largest dedicated lamb processing operation, with staffing reaching up to 950 people at peak season.

Takapau and the wider Central Hawke's Bay region offer a lifestyle location with sunshine, vineyards, wine trails, local markets, artisan food options, and access to coastal and outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, and beaches. The role may suit someone considering relocation for a family-friendly community and a change of pace.

Work Pattern

The maintenance team works 45 hours per week. Shift start times vary depending on roster and may begin at 5:00am, 7:00am, or 2:30pm.

What You Will Do

In this position, you will contribute to electrical reliability across the plant, respond to breakdowns, carry out repairs, and help maintain essential equipment. You may also take part in site projects and the installation of new equipment, with exposure to a variety of electrical applications throughout the facility.

About You

The ideal applicant brings a team-oriented approach, strong fault-finding ability, and the confidence to work independently when needed. Experience in FMCG or a similar production setting would be helpful, though a willingness to learn in a large industrial processing environment is also valued.

You should be comfortable identifying root causes, using analytical thinking to solve problems, and communicating clearly with colleagues. A practical, hands-on mindset, good interpersonal skills, and the ability to stay organised in a demanding engineering environment are important.

Qualifications and Skills

A relevant trade qualification and full NZ EWRB electrical registration are required. The role also calls for a sound understanding of electrical principles and maintenance practices, along with prior exposure to PLCs and VSDs. The team is also looking for someone who can prioritise work effectively, lead by example, and continue learning through future development opportunities such as leadership, refrigeration, or project design.

What’s on Offer

You will join a supportive and energetic team that values collaboration and development. The role offers the chance to work alongside experienced industry professionals, access career progression opportunities, and benefit from discounted meat purchases.

Additional Information

This is a strong opportunity for someone who wants to grow with a large, forward-looking employer that encourages skill development and continuous improvement.

Application Details

Applications are reviewed as they come in, so early submission is encouraged. The advertised closing date is 9 July 2026.

Equal Opportunity

Silver Fern Farms states that it welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and is committed to an inclusive workplace with equal opportunity for every candidate and employee.