ASSISTANT ORCHARD MANAGER | GISBORNE

Thompsonsltd; Gisborne; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career pathway to Orchard Manager

Mentoring from experienced leaders

Development opportunities

Competitive remuneration based on技能

Job summary

Thompson's Horticulture Ltd is seeking an enthusiastic Assistant Orchard Manager to join our team in Gisborne, a leading kiwifruit region. Working with the Orchard Manager, you’ll oversee orchard operations, mentor seasonal staff and help deliver high-quality yields while developing skills for advancement.

You'll bring 2–5 years in orchard operations or supervision, a horticultural qualification, and strong leadership, communication and organisational skills to optimise pruning, spraying and

Qualifications

• 2–5 years in orchard operations or a supervisory role.
• Strong leadership and communication abilities.
• Good organisational and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support orchard teams and supervisors.
• Coordinate labour and machinery to meet operations.
• Assist with pruning, spraying, fertiliser, irrigation, and crop management.
• Support recruitment and development of seasonal staff.
• Monitor orchard performance and identify improvements.
• Ensure GAP, food safety, and health & safety compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisational skills

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Education

Horticultural qualification

Job description

Grow Your Career in Kiwifruit Management

Thompson's Horticulture Ltd is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Assistant Orchard Manager to join our team in Gisborne.This is an exciting opportunity for someone with orchard operations experience who is ready to take the next step in their career. Working closely alongside the Orchard Manager, you'll play a key role in delivering high-performing kiwifruit orchard operations while developing the skills and experience required to progress into an Orchard Manager role in the future.

About the Role

• Leading and supporting orchard teams and supervisors.
• Coordinating labour and machinery/equipment to meet operational requirements.
• Assisting with pruning, spraying, fertiliser, irrigation, and crop management programmes.
• Supporting recruitment, training, and development of seasonal staff.
• Monitoring orchard performance and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Ensuring compliance with GAP, food safety, and health and safety requirements.
• Supporting grower and stakeholder relationships alongside the Orchard Manager.

About You

• A horticultural qualification or equivalent industry experience.
• 2-5 years' experience in orchard operations or a supervisory role.
• A good understanding of kiwifruit production and orchard operations.
• Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills
• Practical problem-solving ability and sound decision-making skills.
• A positive attitude and genuine desire to grow your career within the horticulture industry.

What's on Offer?

• A genuine career pathway to an Orchard Manager position.
• Mentoring and development from experienced orchard leaders.
• A diverse and rewarding role within a progressive horticulture business.
• Competitive remuneration based on skills and experience.
• Opportunity to work within one of New Zealand's leading horticultural regions.

Why Thompson's Horticulture?

At Thompson's Horticulture Ltd, we're passionate about growing great fruit and great people. We invest in our team, encourage continuous development, and provide opportunities for individuals who want to build a long-term career in the kiwifruit industry.