Workshop Manager

Babcock is looking for a Workshop Manager to join the Small Craft Marine team based in Devonport, Auckland.

About the role

Join a mission-critical role supporting the Royal New Zealand Navy's Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) fleet. As First Line Manager, you'll lead a skilled team of mechanics delivering essential maintenance and upgrades to high-performance vessels. You'll be at the heart of operations, ensuring tasks are completed safely, on time, and to exacting standards. This is a hands-on leadership role where your technical expertise and people management skills will directly impact fleet readiness and national defence capability.

Step into a dynamic environment where precision meets purpose. You'll coordinate production activities, manage trade resources, and drive continuous improvement across workshop operations. With access to advanced engineering systems and a culture of collaboration, you'll help shape the future of naval support. If you thrive in fast-paced, high-accountability settings and want to lead from the front, this is your opportunity to make a real difference.

About you

You are a confident leader with a strong mechanical background and a passion for team development. You thrive in structured environments and understand the importance of safety, quality, and deadlines. Your experience in marine or defence-related maintenance gives you the edge to manage complex tasks and lead trade teams effectively. You communicate clearly, solve problems proactively, and take pride in delivering high-standard work. You're ready to step up and take ownership of frontline operations.

Key Required Skills

• Leadership and team supervision

• Mechanical maintenance expertise

• Production planning and scheduling

• Risk and safety management

• Quality assurance and control

• Exposure to QA processes, QC, understanding of OQE management and ISO9001

• Familiarity with Marine classification society rules and marine survey standards

• Strong understanding of Marine Diesel Engine servicing, repair, and operational requirements.

Key Required Qualifications

• Bachelors or Trade qualification in mechanical or marine engineering

• Minimum 5 years relevant technical experience

• Strong computer literacy (e.g. PLM/MRP systems)

• Health & Safety compliance knowledge

Your future at Babcock - what we offer you

• Our work life integration policy brings together leave entitlements which include annual leave, wellbeing leave, paid parental leave, defence reservist leave plus more;

• We will provide you with a supportive and engaging environment where you can grow your career, supported by our capability framework plus ongoing access to self-led learning modules through LinkedIn Learning and access to study leave;

• You'll have access to beRewarded which will provide you with endless discounts across retail, health, entertainment, travel and much more, plus novated leasing options and corporate shares plan;

• Your wellbeing is supported through our online wellbeing program Munch, Mind, Move, Money, access to our employee assistance program plus you can access two days annually from your personal leave as wellbeing days;

• You'll be able to participate in our weRecognise program which is an opportunity to recognise the outstanding work our people do each and every day in living our principles which are Be kind, Collaborate, Be Curious, Think Outcomes, Be Courageous and Own & Deliver

Who we are

Babcock International Group, the aerospace and defence company, has been trusted to deliver bespoke, highly skilled engineering services for over a century.

Across Australia and New Zealand, Babcock has grown to a team of over 1,600 talented people, and we are on a path of continued growth and expansion. We operate across sectors such as defence, commercial marine, aviation, airports, communications, emergency services and engineering consultancy.

Some of the programs our team across Australia and New Zealand are proud to be a part of involve:

• Providing emergency medical and search & rescue aviation services through our Aviation & Critical Services business;

• Designing and supporting key systems for submarines and surface ships through our Marine business;

• Providing fleet wide through life support and asset management services for Navy customers;

• Managing critical assets for a range of sectors through our Land Business.

So, if you would like to join us/So, if you would like to continue building your career and help create a safe and secure world, together, please apply via the Apply Now' button below.

To learn more about us visit

We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds and experience however, the successful candidate must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand and capable of obtaining a New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) Security Clearance.

Please note, should your application progress you may be required to complete pre-employment checks. These checks may include but not limited to, reference checks, MOJ, security check, qualifications and right to work.

Babcock Australasia is a Circle Back Initiative Employer - we commit to respond to every applicant.

Job Req #68631