About the role
We're looking for a fitter, or someone with solid trade or mechanical skills, to step up as Second-in-Charge (2IC) on night shift. You'll run your own machine as part of the shift, with the authority to step off it when you're needed elsewhere: fixing a breakdown, supporting the Team Leader, covering a gap or sorting a quality issue. With fewer people on site overnight, we need someone who can fix problems, lead people and still run production. You'll work alongside the Night Shift Team Leader to keep the machines running and the shift hitting its targets. When the Team Leader is away, you'll lead the shift.
Key responsibilities
Operating your own machine to target, quality and safety standards as part of the shift team
Using your judgement to safely shut down your machine when a bigger priority comes up (a breakdown, a quality issue or supporting the Team Leader), then getting it back up and running once that's sorted
Being first responder to machine stops, jams and faults: diagnosing and fixing mechanical, pneumatic and electrical issues within your competency
Carrying out minor repairs and adjustments overnight so we don't lose production waiting for the day crew
Assisting with machine tuning (temperatures, blow pressure, cycle times) and mould/product changeovers
Supporting planned maintenance and breakdown repairs alongside our maintenance team
Recording faults, repairs and adjustments clearly in Aspect and the handover, and flagging recurring issues for root-cause fixes
Helping the shift hit its daily targets, and making sure downtime and rejects are recorded accurately
Allocating operators to machines, covering breaks, and coaching and training the team
Running a clear 7am handover: machine status, repairs done and outstanding jobs
About you
Fitter, or any trade background (millwright, maintenance engineer, mechanic, electrician, engineer), or strong hands-on mechanical experience
Confident fault-finding on production machinery; pneumatics, hydraulics or basic electrical/PLC is a bonus
Blow moulding, injection moulding, packaging or food & beverage experience is highly regarded
Happy to get stuck in wherever you're needed, whether that's fixing, running, training or packing
Good judgement on priorities: you know when to stay on your machine and when to step away to fix the bigger problem
Some experience leading or training others
Comfortable making calls on the night shift when no one else is around
Reliable, with a strong attendance record, and a clear communicator
Own reliable transport
About us
Waipak NZ is a small, family-owned plastics manufacturer in Hastings, making PET preforms and bottles for some of New Zealand's best-known brands. We're a close-knit team built on being Humble, Hungry & Smart. As a small business we all wear a few hats, so people who can turn their hand to anything do really well here.
Benefits
Guaranteed hours and stable income
Pay that reflects your trade skills and leadership responsibility
Variety, because no two nights are the same in a small business
Ongoing technical training alongside our maintenance team
A clear path towards Team Leader or a technical role
A supportive family business where your skills get noticed