Agricultural Operations Manager

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

Our client, Watties is seeking an experienced Agricultural Operations Manager to join their team in Hastings, Hawke’s Bay. This newly created role offers a unique opportunity to lead and oversee local operations across Wattie’s agricultural enterprises.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in ensuring the efficiency, profitability and sustainability of the farming operations, whilst driving innovation and best practice. Reporting directly to the Head of Agriculture ANZ, there is significant influence over strategic operational decisions that will shape the business performance. This role offers a blend of financial management and people leadership allowing you a genuine opportunity to make a positive impact.

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience/minimum 5–7 years in agricultural or horticultural operations management, ideally within a commercial farming environment.
• Strong track record of successfully managing farming operations, budgets and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Extensive knowledge of horticultural practices, crop management, soil science and seasonal planning.
• Demonstrated competency in health and safety management, with knowledge of relevant agricultural legislation and compliance requirements.
• Proficiency with farm management software, data analysis tools and general computer systems.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound decisions under pressure and adapt to changing conditions.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities, with the capacity to motivate and develop team members.
• Understanding of environmental sustainability and conservation practices in agriculture.
• A current full driver’s licence at a minimum.

What’s on offer

• Commitment to professional development + wellbeing + work-life balance.
• Competitive remuneration + performance bonus.
• Live Well Leave.
• Free Watties products.
• Employee Assistant Program + Free ‘Calm’ subscription.
• Discounted Health Insurance Scheme.
• Dynamic, values-driven organisation that prioritises sustainable farming practices and community engagement.

About Watties

Watties is a progressive agricultural organisation dedicated to sustainable farming practices and horticultural excellence in the Hawke’s Bay region. They are committed to delivering high-quality produce whilst championing environmental stewardship and supporting the local farming community. Their mission is to demonstrate that modern, efficient agriculture can thrive alongside conservation and sustainability. They pride themselves on their collaborative culture, their commitment to innovation, and their positive impact on the wider agricultural sector.

Only job seekers who have NZ working rights will be eligible for this role.