Agricultural Operations Leader | Sustainability & Growth

Rural Directions; Hastings; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Wellbeing program

Live Well Leave

Free Watties products

Calm subscription

Discounted health insurance

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Watties in Hastings, Hawke’s Bay is seeking an experienced Agricultural Operations Manager to lead local farming operations. You’ll oversee efficiency, profitability and sustainability while driving innovation and best practice across enterprises.

Reporting to the Head of Agriculture ANZ, the role blends financial management with people leadership, shaping strategic decisions and delivering measurable performance.

Qualifications

• Proven experience and minimum 5–7 years in agricultural or horticultural operations management.
• Strong track record managing farming operations, budgets and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Extensive knowledge of horticultural practices, crop management, soil science and seasonal planning.
• Experience with health and safety management and knowledge of relevant regulations.
• Proficiency with farm management software, data analysis tools and general computer systems.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making under pressure, and adaptability.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities; ability to motivate and develop staff.
• Understanding of environmental sustainability and conservation in agriculture.
• Valid full driver’s licence.

Skills

Agricultural operations

Budget management

Team leadership

Horticultural knowledge

Crop management

Soil science

Seasonal planning

Health and safety

Farm management software

Data analysis

Computer literacy

Problem solving

Communication skills

Leadership abilities

Sustainability practices

Driver's licence

Tools

Farm management software

Data analysis tools

Job description

Watties in Hastings, Hawke’s Bay is seeking an experienced Agricultural Operations Manager to lead local farming operations. You’ll oversee efficiency, profitability and sustainability while driving innovation and best practice across enterprises.

Reporting to the Head of Agriculture ANZ, the role blends financial management with people leadership, shaping strategic decisions and delivering measurable performance.