Mechanical Foreman | Benmore Dam Project

Some projects are worth adding to your CV.Benmore Dam is one of them.

We're looking for an experienced Mechanical Foreman to lead day-to-day mechanical construction activities on this nationally significant hydro infrastructure project.

This isn't routine maintenance or repetitive workshop work. You'll be working on structural steel installation, hydraulic and jacking systems, heavy lifting, precision alignment, mechanical assembly and commissioning support.

In other words, plenty of interesting work and very little chance of getting bored.

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‍About the Role

‍Working closely with the Supervisor, Project Manager and engineering team, you'll take ownership of mechanical activities on site. You'll lead crews and subcontractors, plan work, coordinate resources and make practical decisions to keep work moving safely, efficiently and to a high standard.

You'll be supported by an experienced project team, but we're looking for someone comfortable taking the lead on the ground.

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‍What's In It For You

• Permanent employment
• Approx. $60 per hour, based on experience
• Agreed FIFO roster to Benmore
• Accommodation while working away
• Travel between Christchurch and Benmore provided
• Working-away-from-home allowance
• Employer-funded UniMed health insurance
• Future opportunities across major infrastructure projects nationwide

What You Will Be Doing

• Lead and coordinate mechanical crews and subcontractors
• Plan daily work, labour, plant, equipment and materials
• Coordinate structural steel, mechanical fitting and hydraulic works
• Lead heavy lifting, rigging, alignment and equipment installation
• Read and apply engineering drawings, specifications and work plans
• Identify and resolve issues before they impact programme or quality
• Lead pre-starts and ensure permits, JSEAs and hold points are completed
• Maintain high standards of safety, workmanship and productivity
• Support inspections, testing and commissioning

What We Require

‍We're more interested in strong practical experience and leadership capability than finding someone who ticks every box.

You may have gained your experience in hydro generation, heavy industrial construction, mechanical fitting, structural steel, mining, energy infrastructure, ports or heavy engineering.

Ideally, you'll bring experience in several of the following:

• Mechanical fitting and assembly
• Structural steel installation
• Hydraulic or jacking systems
• Heavy lifting and rigging
• Welding and fabrication
• Precision alignment and equipment installation
• Reading and working from engineering drawings
• Planning work and coordinating people and resources

A relevant trade qualification, such as Mechanical Fitter or Fitter Welder, would be highly regarded. Rigging, welding, Working at Heights, EWP, Confined Space, Site Safe and First Aid tickets are also useful, but not every ticket is essential.

Most importantly, you'll:

• Lead from the front and set high standards
• Plan ahead and communicate clearly
• Take safety seriously and stop unsafe work when required
• Stay calm and practical when problems arise
• Take pride in quality workmanship
• Valid Site Safe or Construct Safe – we can assist with this.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment Drug Test.

This is a rare opportunity to work on a project with genuine scale, technical challenge and a lasting legacy. If you're a practical mechanical leader ready to take ownership and lead from the front, we'd like to hear from you.

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‍Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.‍

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‍Why Choose Max People?
Max People is a trusted New Zealand recruitment partner with 15+ years’ experience connecting great people with great workplaces. What started in construction has grown into one of the country’s leading labour-hire and recruitment providers across construction, civil, agriculture, dairy, manufacturing, and logistics.‍

‍When you join Max People, you’re backed by a team that lives its values: Passion, Empathy, Optimism, Professionalism, Loyalty, and Empowerment. We’re here to support your journey, champion your growth, and help you build a future you’re excited about.