Our Client
TWS Energy Controls Ltd is a leading manufacturer of electrical equipment, products and related solutions that play a critical role in the electrification and energy transition of the Australian and New Zealand markets. As part of the Kinetica Energy Group, alongside WF Energy Controls in Sydney, their purpose-built manufacturing facility provides an ideal base for the bespoke design and manufacture of instrument transformers for metering and protection, meeting the unique individual customer requirements in the growing electrical industry. For further information, go to http://www.transformer.co.nz and https://kineticaenergy.com/ .
The Role
Based in Christchurch and reporting directly to the General Manager, the Manufacturing Operations Manager will work with experienced colleagues across Australia and New Zealand in leading the Christchurch manufacturing operation, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable production outcomes across quality, delivery, cost, and people performance. This is a pivotal, hands-on leadership role, responsible not only for overseeing day-to-day manufacturing performance but also for developing the systems, processes, data capability, and team culture required to support sustainable growth.
You will empower leaders to take ownership of their areas, build capability, and deliver consistent operational results. The role will focus on strengthening production systems and standard work practices, improving process discipline, and leveraging data, digital tools, and emerging technologies, including practical applications of AI to enhance operational performance.
A key part of the role will be embedding a culture of continuous improvement through Lean methodologies, ensuring strong health and safety, quality, and delivery outcomes, and improving production visibility through effective KPI reporting, performance measures, and structured operating rhythms.
You will also work collaboratively with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and wider Kinetica Energy teams to share knowledge, drive improvement, and support operational excellence across the business.
Your Skills and Experience
To be successful in this role, you will be an experienced manufacturing leader who combines strong operational capability with a genuine passion for developing people and improving the way things are done. You will bring proven experience in a senior manufacturing, production, or operations leadership role, ideally within an engineered product, electrical, or electro-mechanical manufacturing environment. You will have demonstrated success leading teams through supervisors or team leaders, building accountability, capability, and a high-performance culture.
You will have a track record of implementing systems, process improvements, and Lean initiatives that deliver measurable results, along with experience managing manufacturing teams within a high-mix, low-to-medium volume environment. A strong understanding of production planning, scheduling, quality systems, and operational performance measures will be important, as will experience working within ISO-based environments. You will be confident using data, ERP/MRP systems, and digital tools to improve decision-making, visibility, and overall operational performance.
As a leader, you will be visible, credible, and hands-on – comfortable working alongside your team on the floor, rolling up your sleeves when the situation requires it, and leading by example. You will bring structure and clarity while creating an environment where people are empowered to succeed. Curious and improvement-focused, you will be comfortable challenging existing ways of working, introducing better approaches, and leading change within an established manufacturing environment.
The Opportunity
This is an opportunity to play a key role in supporting essential energy infrastructure and to influence how manufacturing operates for the future. If you are a manufacturing leader who enjoys creating high-performing teams, improving systems, embracing new technology, and delivering sustainable operational excellence, this is an opportunity worth exploring. The role offers strong career growth potential, with strong development opportunities as the business continues to grow.
To view the position description for this role, please click here .
To Apply
To apply, please submit your cover letter and CV. Initial enquiries are welcome by phoning David Clausen on 03 345 8762.
Applications close 5pm Wednesday 21 October 2026