General Manager Human Resources

MHM Automation is a long-established New Zealand business with over 140 years of engineering heritage and a strong global presence in food processing automation. MHM has evolved into a diversified automation and engineering group through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, including Wyma Engineering in 2023. Now part of Fortifi Food Processing Solutions, the business is entering an exciting phase of growth, expansion and integration across international markets.

To empower the business for global growth opportunities available, we are seeking a Vice President Human Resources | APAC (GM Human Resources) to join the MHM executive team (based in Christchurch), leading the people agenda across New Zealand, Australia, China, Thailand and future markets.

This is an opportunity for an experienced HR leader to step into a broader, more strategic executive role – working closely with the CEO, contributing at executive level and gaining exposure to the global parent organisation. While leading the overall people strategy, you will also ensure the underlying HR foundations, systems and practices are robust, enabling the APAC region to scale with confidence. Sound like you?

Reporting to the CEO and working as part of the talented executive team, this is a genuinely varied role combining strategic input with practical delivery. As the successful VP HR, you will:

• Lead and deliver the APAC people strategy aligned to business growth and priorities
• Partner with the CEO and senior leaders on organisational design, capability and performance
• Support acquisition activity, including integration and change initiatives
• Provide oversight of governance, employment relations and people risk across multiple jurisdictions
• Work closely with Fortifi’s global HR team, ensuring alignment and contributing to group initiatives
• Build HR foundations, systems and practices that will enable MHM and the APAC region to scale with confidence
• Deliver clear, practical people insights to support business decision-making.

While this is an executive role, it is not removed from the detail. If you thrive in an organisation where you can stay close to the business, understand the operational realities and ensure delivery through the leadership of your skilled P&C team – this is the role for you.

To be successful as the VP HR, you will be motivated to step up as a senior HR leader, seeking broader scope and impact in this role. You may currently be operating as a GM or Head of Human Resources or as a senior HR leader in a larger organisation, ready for the next move.

You will bring:

• Experience across organisational change, workforce planning or transformation
• Exposure to multi-site or international environments
• A strong grounding in employment relations, governance and HR fundamentals
• The ability to think strategically while staying close to the delivery.

Just as important is how you operate:

• Commercially aware and pragmatic, with sound judgement
• Highly credible with stakeholders, able to influence and build trust
• Intellectually strong, able to navigate complexity without overcomplicating
• Hands-on and willing to roll up your sleeves when needed
• A mature, grounded leadership style, with a focus on outcomes

This role offers the chance to:

• Step into an executive-level position with real breadth and visibility
• Be part of a growing business with an active global, acquisition strategy
• Gain exposure to a global parent organisation and operating model
• Shape the people strategy, capability and culture of the business as it evolves

All while leveraging the exceptional support of your global HR colleagues, based in the USA & Europe and talented executive colleagues.

This is a role with genuine stretch, suited to someone looking to grow into a broader enterprise HR leadership position over time. Give me a call to discuss.

For a copy of the position description and to apply, visit the Decipher Opportunities page online at https://deciphergroup.co.nz/job-opportunities/  To discover more about MHM and Fortifi visit www.mhmautomation.com   

For a confidential discussion about the role; contact Leanne Crozier on M: 021 245-2224 or Email: [email protected]