Harvesting Operations Manager

Simplot Australia Pty Ltd; Latrobe; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & wellbeing programs

Leadership development programs

Employee reward and recognition

Bonus incentives and discounted health

Novated car leasing

Income protection insurance

Additional annual leave

Job summary

Simplot Australia Pty Ltd in Tasmania seeks a Harvesting Operations Manager to lead end-to-end harvesting across peas, corn, beans and carrots. You’ll oversee safety, quality and cost, manage a core team plus seasonal staff, and liaise with field operations, manufacturing and suppliers to meet production needs.

The role is based in Tasmania with some NSW collaboration, requiring strong on-site presence during peak season and a hands-on leadership style.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in harvesting or heavy equipment environments.
• Experience leading large seasonal or casual workforces.
• Strong safety and performance focus.
• Solid technical or trade background enabling oversight of complex equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end harvesting operations across multiple vegetable crops.
• Coordinate and improve harvesting and maintenance activities.
• Manage permanent staff and large seasonal workforce.
• Ensure equipment is safely maintained and fit for purpose.
• Oversee maintenance of non-factory potato handling equipment and assets.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align priorities and delivery.
• Manage relationships with external suppliers and contractors.

Skills

Leadership

Team development

Safety focus

Decision making

Communication

Planning & prioritisation

Adaptability

Stakeholder management

Education

Trade/Mechanical background

Tools

Heavy equipment maintenance

Mechanical maintenance

Job description

In Australia, the Simplot Company's core operations are food manufacturing and agriculture, encompassing potato, vegetable, seafood and sauce operations. We supply a wide range of frozen, shelf-stable and chilled products to major retail and foodservice customers in Australia and New Zealand. The Simplot Global Food business includes 17 food manufacturing and processing sites, serving retail and foodservice customers in 37 countries, with 8,000 people across North America, Latin America and Asia Pacific. Globally, the J.R. Simplot Company employs 15,000 people, driving innovation and excellence across diverse industries.

Within the Australian market, we are a leading provider of quality, nourishing and sustainable food, focussed on creating meals that maximises value from the best Australian-grown produce and global seafood. Our iconic brands have been an integral part of Aussie life for generations, and include Leggo's, Birds Eye, Edgell, John West and Chiko.

Culture & Benefits

We imagine a better future and set goals to reach it. We are committed to working as one Simplot and are guided by our shared values:

• Respect for Resources
• Spirit of Innovation
• Passion for People

We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion. We care about creating an environment that promotes safety and wellbeing and where our people feel supported, respected and empowered. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination and are committed to providing equal opportunities for all our team members.

Simplot is passionate about cultivating a future where good ideas and inspiring possibilities have the chance to grow. We want our team members to build exciting and fulfilling careers with us and offer professional and personal growth opportunities.

The Perks

• A variety of engaging Health and Wellbeing programs
• Diverse Leadership Development Programs and Professional Development Support
• Employee Reward and Recognition Program
• Bonus incentives and discounted Health Insurance
• Novated Car Leasing Agreements
• Income Protection Insurance
• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave

About Our Role

We currently have an opportunity for a Harvesting Operations Manager to join our team. In this role, you will play a critical role in ensuring the successful delivery of Simplot’s vegetable harvesting operations across multiple crops, including peas, corn, beans and carrots. This is a hands‑on leadership role responsible for overseeing end‑to‑end harvesting activities, equipment maintenance and a large, seasonal workforce to meet factory demand safely, efficiently and cost‑effectively.

The role is based in Tasmania, where the majority of the harvesting team and equipment are located, with regular collaboration and oversight of harvesting operations in New South Wales. Due to the seasonal nature of harvesting, this role requires a strong on‑site presence during peak periods.

Reporting to the Director of Agricultural Services, you will lead a team of approximately 15 direct reports, alongside a sizeable casual workforce during peak harvest seasons. You will work closely with internal stakeholders across field operations and manufacturing, as well as external equipment suppliers, to ensure all harvesting activities align with safety, quality, environmental and budget expectations.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a highly specialised operation, combining people leadership, operational planning and mechanical oversight, while contributing directly to Simplot’s agricultural supply chain.

What You Will Do

• Lead and manage end‑to‑end harvesting operations across multiple vegetable crops to meet factory demand, quality standards and seasonal timelines
• Plan, coordinate and continuously improve harvesting and maintenance activities to achieve safety, cost, environmental and performance targets
• Lead, develop and support a core team of permanent employees and a large seasonal workforce during peak harvest periods
• Ensure all harvesting, handling and support equipment is safely maintained, reliable and fit for purpose
• Oversee the maintenance of non factory potato handling and agricultural equipment, including workshops, sites and mobile assets
• Build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, including field operations and manufacturing teams, to align priorities and delivery
• Manage relationships with external suppliers, contractors and equipment manufacturers, including sourcing and procurement of specialised machinery
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, environmental and regulatory requirements across all sites and activities
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and provide input into systems, processes and capability development across Raw Procurement

About You

• Proven leadership experience in a harvesting, agricultural, maintenance or heavy equipment environment, with a strong focus on safety and performance
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing teams, including managing large seasonal or casual workforces during peak operational periods
• Calm, resilient and able to make sound decisions in fast paced, high pressure and time critical environments
• Solid technical or trade background (e.g. mechanical, maintenance, engineering or similar), with the capability to oversee complex equipment and assets
• Confident communication skills with the ability to build strong relationships across diverse teams, sites and external partners
• Strong planning and prioritisation skills to balance operational demands, resources and seasonal timelines
• Experience working within safety, quality, environmental and regulatory frameworks, with a focus on compliance
• Practical, hands on approach with the ability to improve systems, processes and ways of working
• Flexibility to support peak harvest periods and meet the operational needs of the business

Applications close Friday 18th September 2026. Simplot reserves the right to commence recruiting activity prior to closing date.

Job Requisition ID: 26587

Travel Required: Up to 25%

Location(s): GF Raw Warehouse - Wesley Vale

Country: Australia

Simplot is an equal opportunity employer and encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply. If you require technical assistance, please email us at [e-mail]