Ballance Agri-Nutrients is seeking a proven people leader to head up engineering at one of New Zealand’s most technically complex manufacturing sites.
RobLawMax is proud to be partnering with Ballance in the search for an exceptional Engineering Manager to lead the engineering team at their Kapuni site, a Major Hazard Facility (MHF) and the only ammonia-urea manufacturing facility in Australasia.
In this critical leadership role, you’ll oversee engineering operations, guide site capital planning, and act as the technical authority on all engineering matters. Reporting to the Site Manager, you will play a key part in the site leadership team and help shape the long-term success of this strategically vital asset.
About the Role
- This is a senior, on-site leadership role reporting directly to the Site Manager, with a seat on the local leadership team.
- Lead a high-performing team of Principal Engineers (Process, Mechanical, Electrical/Instrumentation) and technical support personnel.
- Act as the site’s ultimate engineering authority, providing direction and oversight on all technical, compliance, and risk-related issues.
- Take ownership of the site’s long-term capital and asset plan, and support the safe, reliable performance of critical plant.
- Support and challenge the engineering function to continually improve performance ensuring robust systems are in place and future capability is developed.
- Work cross-functionally with production, maintenance, turnaround, and safety teams, supporting site-wide decision-making with engineering input.
- Engage with internal and external stakeholders including specialist contractors, corporate technical functions, and regulatory authorities.
- Be a visible and influential leader on site, helping shape culture, performance, and long-term capability.
What You’ll Bring
- A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Process, Electrical); a Master’s is an advantage.
- At least 10 years’ experience in engineering roles within a complex manufacturing or high-consequence operational environment.
- Proven track record in leading multi-disciplinary technical teams, with a strong emphasis on people development, performance, and cultural cohesion.
- Experience delivering or overseeing engineering operations and contributing to long-term asset and reliability planning.
- Exposure to capital project planning and interface management (detailed delivery experience welcomed but not essential).
- A leadership style that balances technical credibility with humility, and can unite experienced teams around shared goals.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels, from the control room to the boardroom.
What’s on Offer
- Competitive base salary + bonus + superannuation (KiwiSaver up to 5%, fully taxed)
- Medical and life insurance for you and your family
- Relocation support (NZ or overseas candidates welcome)
- Work with one of New Zealand’s most technically complex, strategically vital production facilities
- Be part of an inclusive and collaborative culture where leadership is shared and celebrated
Why Join Ballance | Why Kapuni?
You’ll join a site that is not only technically significant, but culturally unique, combining legacy experience with high professional standards and mutual respect. With low turnover, deep expertise, and a strong team environment, Kapuni offers the rare opportunity to lead in a role where your decisions matter, your input is respected, and your leadership shapes the future.
This is a career-defining opportunity to lead one of New Zealand's most complex and high-consequence industrial sites, shaping engineering performance, safety, and innovation at a nationally critical facility.
For a completely confidential chat about this exciting role, call Peter Henderson on 027 441 9300 or apply here online!