Prospa Orchard Manager

Prospa Orchard Management Services; North East; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in orchard management is seeking an Orchard Manager to oversee operations in Waikato, New Zealand. This role involves managing kiwifruit orchards and leading a team, with a focus on leadership development and career growth. Applicants must have relevant experience and a valid driver's license; strong problem-solving and communication skills are essential.

Benefits

Company vehicle

Mobile phone and laptop

Fully subsidised private health insurance

Qualifications

• Proven experience in orchard management or supervisory role in horticulture.
• Strong leadership and people management abilities, experience training and organizing seasonal labour.
• Excellent communication, customer service and relationship management skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage all orchard activities to meet production goals.
• Ensure operational excellence to optimize performance.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with growers and stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem Solving

Education

Full, clean New Zealand driver's license

Growsafe and First Aid certificates

Job description

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Are you an experienced orchard manager or supervisor looking for the next step in your career? Do you want to work for a company that values expertise, invests in its people, and provides opportunities for growth and development? Prospa, EastPack’s Orchard Management division, is looking for a skilled Orchard Manager to join our team in Waikato.

Why Choose Prospa?

At Prospa, we are more than just orchard managers—we are industry leaders in innovation, operational excellence, and professional growth. As one of the largest orchard management companies in New Zealand, we provide top-tier orchard management services across Gisborne, Opotiki, Edgecumbe, Te Puke, Tauranga, Katikati, Coromandel, and Waikato.

We believe that great leadership drives great results, and we are committed to empowering our team with the resources, technical support, and strategic guidance to help them thrive.

When you join Prospa, you’ll benefit from:

Leadership Development and Career Growth - A structured career pathway designed to help you take your leadership to the next level.

A High-Performing, Collaborative Team – Work alongside talented industry professionals who share your passion for excellence.

Strategic Influence and Autonomy – Lead with confidence, backed by an organization that supports bold thinking and innovation.

Hands-On Engagement – Manage a small portfolio of kiwifruit orchards, allowing you to lead from the front while staying connected to on-the-ground operations.

Competitive Remuneration Package - Based on skills and experience, that grows as you grow. A company vehicle, mobile phone and laptop and fully subsidised private health insurance are provided.

About the Role

As an Orchard Manager, you will be responsible for effectively managing all orchard activities through the growing season to ensure that production goals are met, and supporting the Area Manager to drive the strategic direction of our orchard management services for the region.

Key responsibilities include:

Managing a portfolio of kiwifruit orchards to produce optimum results while working within agreed budgets

Planning and implementing the orchard technical programme and repair and maintenance requirements

Ensuring operational excellence across orchards to optimise performance

Managing seasonal staff and ensuring adequate staffing levels are maintained, to consistently achieve targets

Problem solving and adapting procedures to weather conditions, water supply, stage of crop development, etc

Machinery and equipment maintenance

Maintaining Prospa's orchard tidiness standards year-round

Ensuring compliance with industry regulations and health and safety standards

Building and maintaining strong relationships with growers, stakeholders, and internal teams

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a dynamic and experienced orchard manager with strong technical, communication, and relationship management skills. The ideal candidate will have:

Proven experience in orchard management or a supervisory role in horticulture

Strong leadership and people management abilities, with experience in training, leading and organising seasonal labour

Solid problem-solving skills and adaptability, to help drive operational efficiency

Demonstrated time management skills and ability to work under pressure, to work to deadlines and make sound decisions while balancing multiple demands and ensuring required outcomes are met

Excellent communication, customer service and relationship management skills, to engage effectively with both internal and external stakeholders

A good knowledge and understanding of health and safety compliance obligations and orchard best practice

Flexibility to work variable hours, including weekends during peak seasons

A full, clean New Zealand driver’s license is required and ideally you will hold current Growsafe and First Aid certificates.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand.

Take the Next Step in Your Orchard Management Career

If this sounds like you and you're ready to take the next step in your orchard management career, we want to hear from you. So, don't wait - APPLY NOW and grow with Prospa!

You must provide an up-to-date CV and a cover letter explaining why you're who we are looking for.

Applications close on Tuesday 22 July 2025 and will be reviewed as received, therefore may close earlier if suitable candidate is found.

Prospa - Growing Orchards, Growing Careers, Growing Futures.

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Your application will include the following questions:

How many years' experience do you have as an Orchard Manager? Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in New Zealand? Do you have experience in a role which requires relationship management experience? How many years of people management experience do you have? Do you have a current New Zealand driver's licence?

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