Technical Operations Manager - Packhouse

Mr Apple; Hastings; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading apple grower in the UK seeks a Technical Operations Manager for its packhouses. The role involves leading a team, managing operational essentials, and ensuring health and safety compliance. Ideal candidates will possess strong leadership skills and knowledge of the apple industry. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape operational success within a passionate and innovative team. Join us to drive excellence and career growth in one of the largest apple exporting companies.

Benefits

Ongoing training and development

Supportive culture focusing on safety and wellbeing

Career growth opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven ability to coach, lead, and inspire teams.
• Knowledge of packhouse operations and equipment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop Technical Team Leaders.
• Manage operational essentials including timesheets.
• Champion Health & Safety across all sites.

Skills

Coaching and leadership abilities

Knowledge of the apple industry

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Excellent organizational skills

Collaborative mindset

Tools

Max

Snap

Job description

Technical Operations Manager - Packhouse

Hastings

At Mr Apple, we’re proud to be New Zealand’s largest apple grower, packer, and exporter. We don’t just grow apples — we grow careers, opportunities, and people. Right now, we’re looking for a Technical Operations Manager – Packhouse to provide strong leadership and operational excellence across our packhouses.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading, coaching, and developing our Technical Team Leaders in collaboration with the Head of Packhouses.
• Driving people engagement through regular one-to-ones, training plans, and performance development.
• Managing operational essentials: timesheets, leave requests, toolbox meetings, shift reports, and weekly SMT updates.
• Overseeing uniform procurement and distribution, PLP line account management, and supplier communications.
• Supporting packhouse operations by managing rework, damages, downtime reviews, and improvement initiatives.
• Facilitating projects through our Opportunity For Improvement (OFI) system, collaborating with SMEs and People & Culture.
• Championing Health & Safety across all sites — ensuring compliance, conducting site walks, critical control verification (CCV), and embedding a strong safety culture.
• Partnering with engineering and compliance teams to ensure packhouse standards meet customer and market requirements.

What you’ll bring

• Proven ability to coach, lead, and inspire teams at all levels.
• Knowledge of the apple industry, packhouse flows, and equipment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a creative edge.
• Excellent organisational skills to prioritise competing demands.
• A collaborative mindset with the ability to build trusted relationships and a stronger together culture.
• It is an advantage if you have worked with systems such as Max, Snap or any apple compliance system in a previous role.

What we offer

• The chance to be part of New Zealand’s largest apple exporter, working with a passionate and innovative team.
• A role where your leadership directly shapes the success of our packhouses and people.
• Ongoing training, development, and career growth opportunities.
• A supportive culture that values safety, wellbeing, and continuous improvement.

Please note that this job will close on the 24th of December 2025 and suitable candidates will be called on the 29th and 30th of December with interviews scheduled for the week of January 12th 2026.

Mr Apple may conduct a Criminal Record Check through the Ministry of Justice should you be considered for this role.

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