At T&G Global, we’re passionate about growing healthier futures. As a global leader in fresh produce, our Apples division continues to invest in world-class post-harvest capability, and Whakatu is central to that ambition.

We already have strong engineering capability on site. Now, we’re looking for a strategic Engineering & CAPEX Manager to take our capital planning, infrastructure development, and long-term asset strategy to the next level.

This is a high-impact leadership role, based in Hastings, where you’ll shape the future footprint, performance, and sustainability of one of our key apple post-harvest operations.

The Opportunity

This role is about more than keeping the plant running, it’s about building what comes next.

You’ll lead long-term capital planning and project delivery across site infrastructure, automation, plant upgrades, utilities, and compliance initiatives. With an established engineering team in place, your focus will be:

• Developing and delivering a multi-year CAPEX roadmap aligned to growth, capacity and sustainability goals

• Leading end-to-end capital projects, from business case and design through to commissioning

• Driving asset optimisation and lifecycle planning to maximise ROI

• Partnering with Operations to unlock productivity, automation and efficiency gains

• Ensuring risk management, compliance and business continuity across critical assets

You’ll oversee both strategic investment and day-to-day engineering governance, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget.

Key Responsibilities

Capital & Project Leadership (Primary Focus)

• Develop and execute long-term capital investment plans aligned to future capacity and technology needs

• Build robust business cases with clear ROI and risk assessment

• Lead major site development, plant upgrades, automation and R&D initiatives

• Manage contractors, suppliers and consultants to deliver to scope, cost and timeline

• Ensure procurement, quality, safety and compliance standards are met

Engineering Strategy & Asset Management

• Translate business goals into engineering and asset management plans

• Establish annual maintenance and capital project programmes

• Drive data-led performance reporting (downtime, cost, asset health, project ROI)

• Strengthen lifecycle planning and reliability frameworks

Financial & Commercial Management

• Own and manage engineering OPEX and CAPEX budgets

• Optimise maintenance resources and spare parts strategy

• Deliver cost control while enabling future-focused investment

Continuous Improvement & Sustainability

• Identify automation and technology opportunities

• Improve energy efficiency and reduce waste

• Support carbon reduction and sustainability initiatives

Leadership & Safety

• Lead and develop a team of 7 direct and 11 indirect reports

• Foster a strong, accountable and collaborative culture

• Champion health & safety standards and continuous improvement

About You

You’re a commercially astute engineering leader who enjoys balancing strategy with execution. You can build a compelling capital plan, and then make it happen.

You’ll bring:

• Degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Mechatronics Engineering (or equivalent trade background with significant leadership experience)

• 10+ years’ experience in manufacturing or food processing

• At least 5 years in senior engineering or maintenance leadership roles

• Strong capital project delivery experience (multi-year planning, business cases, ROI tracking)

• Budget ownership and cost control capability

• Vendor and contract negotiation experience

• A strategic mindset with hands-on problem-solving ability

Exposure to Lean or Continuous Improvement methodologies and postgraduate study in Engineering or Asset Management would be advantageous.

Why Join T&G Global?

This is a rare opportunity to lead meaningful capital investment in a business actively modernising and growing its post-harvest footprint.

Real CAPEX Influence

You’ll shape and deliver a multi-year capital roadmap covering automation, infrastructure upgrades and sustainability initiatives, with strong leadership visibility and support.

Commercial Impact

Your work will directly influence productivity, cost efficiency, risk management and future capacity across a complex operational environment.

Sustainability & Future Focus

Play a key role in embedding energy efficiency, carbon reduction and smarter asset planning into long-term site strategy.

Leadership Exposure

As part of the site leadership team, you’ll partner closely with Operations and Finance, with genuine scope to make a lasting impact within a global horticulture business.

You’ll join a business investing in infrastructure, automation, and sustainable growth, where your capital strategy will directly influence performance, profitability, and long-term success.

Proof of eligibility to work in New Zealand is required for all applicants and any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory drug test, credit check, driver licence check, and security check.

We want T&G to be a place where everyone is accepted, respected and celebrated for who they are – regardless of our similarities or differences. It’s essential that everyone can be themselves and thrive, and that together we create a diverse and vibrant workplace.