Manager Orchard Operations (NSW)

OFI; Griffith; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

Benefits package

Job summary

The Manager Orchard Operations (NSW) at ofi will lead and develop a high-performing orchard management team across NSW, focusing on tree health, crop yield and cost of production. You will drive safety, quality and sustainability while delivering orchard production strategies.

Reporting to the General Manager Orchard Operations, you’ll build leadership capability, manage budgets and collaborate with technical teams to optimise planning, efficiency and profitability for our almond operations in

Qualifications

• 10+ years leading farming operations, orchards or large-scale crop production.
• Strong horticultural knowledge with safety, quality and environmental focus.
• Proven ability to improve safety, productivity and cost efficiency.
• Excellent planning, communication and stakeholder management.
• Proven ability to develop teams through coaching and mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Lead Orchard Managers and teams to achieve high performance.
• Develop leadership pipeline for Orchard Managers and Supervisors.
• Create and maintain a safety-focused culture across operations.
• Support execution of orchard plans to maximise tree health and yield.
• Collaborate with Technical Teams on planning and continuous improvement.
• Drive efficiencies and cost containment across orchard operations.
• Oversee budgets, forecasts and resource utilisation.
• Ensure safety, environmental stewardship and compliance.

Skills

Orchard leadership

People management

Operational discipline

Budgeting & forecasting

Stakeholder management

Safety & compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture or Agribusiness

Master of Agribusiness

Job description

• Senior leadership opportunity with a leading global agribusiness.
• Lead multiple orchards and orchard management teams.
• Competitive salary package, fully maintained company vehicle & benefits.

About Us:

ofi has built a global leadership position in many of its businesses, with a direct presence in more than 65 countries with sourcing and processing in most major producing countries. In Australia, we operate in multiple products including almonds and cocoa. ofi is a leading global processor and grower of agricultural products and food ingredients, supplying various products across 16 platforms to over 13,000 customers worldwide.

The Opportunity:

The Manager Orchard Operations (NSW) is responsible for building, leading and developing a highly capable Orchard Management Team that can sustainably manage orchard health, continuously improve crop yields and effectively manage the cost of production.

This is a key leadership role focused on developing capability across multiple orchard management teams, ensuring operational excellence and supporting the successful delivery of orchard production strategies.

Reporting to the General Manager Orchard Operations, key responsibilities include:

• Leading and developing Orchard Managers and their teams to achieve high performance outcomes.
• Building a strong leadership pipeline for Orchard Managers, Irrigation Controllers, Operations Supervisors and Leading Hands.
• Creating and maintaining a positive, safety-focused culture across orchard operations.
• Supporting the effective execution of orchard plans to maximise tree health and crop yield.
• Collaborating with Technical Teams to contribute to orchard planning, optimisation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Driving operational efficiencies, process improvements and innovation across orchard operations.
• Identifying and implementing productivity improvements that improve profitability and sustainability.
• Managing operational budgets, forecasts, resource utilisation and cost containment strategies.
• Ensuring orchard operations maintain the highest standards of safety, environmental stewardship and compliance.

Our Ideal Candidate:

We are seeking an experienced orchard or agricultural operations leader with a proven ability to lead large-scale horticultural businesses through strong people leadership, operational discipline and continuous improvement.

• Experience & Skills:
  • 10+ years experience leading multiple farming operations, orchards or large-scale intensive crop production environments.
  • Strong horticultural knowledge with an operational focus and a strong commitment to safety, quality and environmental outcomes.
  • Demonstrated ability to drive operational performance, safety, productivity, quality, cost efficiencies.
  • High-level communication and stakeholder management capability, in addition to excellent planning, organisational and problem-solving skills.
  • Proven ability to develop teams through influence, coaching and mentoring.
  • Experience managing budgets, forecasts and operational resources.
• Qualifications:
  • Tertiary qualifications in Agriculture, Agribusiness, related discipline, or equivalent demonstrated experience is required.
  • A Masters of Agribusiness postgraduate qualification will be highly regarded.
  • Certificate IV in Training and Assessment will be viewed favourably but is not essential.

Why Join ofi?

At ofi, you'll join a global organisation with a strong commitment to safety, innovation, sustainability and people development. This role offers the opportunity to influence the performance of a large-scale agricultural business, develop future leaders and contribute directly to the success of one of Australia's leading almond operations.

A competitive remuneration package will be offered, including a fully maintained company vehicle and tools of trade.

Applicants must hold a current driver's licence and be able to satisfy pre-employment medical and drug screening requirements.