Mechanical Supervisor | Benmore Dam

This isn't your average mechanical project.

We're looking for an experienced Mechanical Supervisor to lead complex mechanical construction works on Benmore Dam — New Zealand's largest earth dam and one of the country's most significant hydro assets.

The project involves seismic strengthening works across six massive concrete penstocks, each approximately 5.2 metres in diameter and running around 120 metres down a 37-degree slope.

Safe to say, this is not a project where you'll be tightening a few bolts and calling it a day.

You'll take charge of day-to-day mechanical work fronts, leading skilled tradespeople, coordinating subcontractors and working closely with project, civil, electrical and commissioning teams to keep delivery moving safely, properly and on programme.

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‍Location Benmore Dam, with a rostered working arrangement. Accommodation and a living-away allowance are provided for eligible employees working away from home.

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‍What's In It For You

• $130,000–$140,000 salary package
• Company vehicle
• Accommodation while working away from home
• Living-away allowance
• Opportunity for permanent or fixed-term employment
• Work on a rare and technically challenging infrastructure project
• Long-term opportunities across future mechanical and infrastructure projects
• Work alongside experienced engineering and project delivery teams

What You Will Be Doing

• Lead and coordinate daily mechanical work fronts
• Plan labour, plant, equipment, materials and subcontractor requirements
• Lead effective pre-starts and toolbox talks
• Ensure permits, JSEAs and critical controls are understood and followed
• Monitor progress and resolve programme barriers early
• Coordinate mechanical interfaces with civil, electrical and commissioning teams
• Ensure installations meet drawings, specifications and quality requirements
• Coordinate lifting, rigging and other high-risk activities
• Monitor productivity and identify potential variations
• Manage defects promptly and minimise rework
• Coach and develop Leading Hands and tradespeople
• Build strong working relationships with project stakeholders

What We Require

‍We're looking for a practical Mechanical Supervisor who is comfortable leading from the front and making good decisions in a complex construction environment.

Ideally, you'll bring:

• Mechanical Fitter trade qualification or equivalent experience
• Proven experience supervising mechanical construction teams
• Experience on hydro, industrial, water or heavy infrastructure projects
• Strong mechanical installation knowledge
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications
• Experience planning complex work and coordinating multiple work fronts
• Experience managing subcontractors
• Experience with hydro generation, pump stations, water treatment, structural steel, heavy lifting, rigging, welding inspection or commissioning would be highly regarded.
• Confined Space, Working at Heights, First Aid and Site Safe Supervisor training are advantageous, but not essential.
• Full New Zealand driver licence
• Valid Site Safe or Construct Safe – we can assist with this.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment Drug Test.

If you're an experienced mechanical leader looking for a project with genuine technical challenge, serious scale and something impressive to add to your career, this is an opportunity worth a look.

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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.