Business Manager – Operations

LeaderBrand Produce Limited; Gisborne, Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

LeaderBrand Produce Limited in Gisborne is seeking a Business Manager – Operations to oversee nursery production, groundwork, cultivation, land development, irrigation, planting and harvest activities. You will lead six direct reports and over 60 permanent staff, ensuring safe, efficient operations and high standards while driving productivity and continuous improvement.

You will work closely with Crop Managers and technical teams to implement operational plans, optimise resources, and

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading large-scale operations and teams.
• Strong people development and coaching capability.
• Experience managing production-driven environments with changing priorities.
• Commitment to health, safety and quality.

Responsibilities

• Lead nursery production, groundwork, cultivation, and harvest operations.
• Oversee delivery of operational plans and optimise resources.
• Drive productivity, performance, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Crop Managers and technical teams.

Job description

Based in Gisborne, this is a significant leadership opportunity to join LeaderBrand as Business Manager – Operations.

Reporting directly to the General Manager – Farming, you’ll be a key member of the Leadership Team, leading the operational functions that underpin LeaderBrand’s crop production activities.

Leading six direct reports and more than 60 permanent employees, you’ll provide leadership across nursery production, groundwork, cultivation, land development, irrigation, planting and harvest operations. You’ll ensure these critical functions are delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest standard while driving productivity, operational performance and continuous improvement.

Working closely with Crop Managers and specialist technical teams, you’ll oversee the delivery of operational plans, optimise resources and contribute to the wider farming strategy.

This is a significant leadership opportunity for an experienced operational leader who enjoys developing people, leading complex operations and delivering results in a large-scale, fast-paced environment.

About You

You’re an experienced operational leader with exceptional relationship skills who earns the trust and respect of those around you. You know how to build capable teams, create accountability and keep complex operations running smoothly.

While experience in horticulture would be an advantage, we’re also interested in leaders who have built successful careers in agriculture, forestry, civil contracting, manufacturing, food production or other large-scale operational environments.

You’ll also bring:

• Proven experience leading large-scale operations and teams.
• A people-first leadership style with the ability to coach, develop and motivate others.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
• Commercial awareness and experience managing operational budgets, resources and performance.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities.
• Experience working in seasonal, production-driven environments where priorities can change quickly.
• A practical, hands‑on approach and a genuine commitment to continuous improvement.
• A strong commitment to health, safety and quality.

Most importantly, you’ll be someone who enjoys leading people, building strong relationships and delivering results in a fast‑paced operational environment.

About LeaderBrand

At LeaderBrand, we’re passionate about evolving fresh food for a healthier world. As a proud family‑owned business, our goal is to be New Zealand’s most innovative and consistent fresh food producer. We farm across three key growing regions, process and pack in state‑of‑the‑art post‑harvest facilities, and are supported by a nationwide sales team delivering fresh produce to every corner of Aotearoa. Our 400+ people are central to our success. We’re always on the lookout for new talent with energy, passion, and a drive to learn – people excited to help shape the future of fresh food.
Gisborne is the heart of our business and the place where LeaderBrand was founded more than 50 years ago. Over that time, LeaderBrand has become integral to the story of our community, with the next generations of those who started with us returning to shape the future alongside us. We also have farms in Pukekohe and Chertsey.
We have a strong vision for the future of our business, our people, and our industry. We’re constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Our continuous improvement mindset grounds us as one of New Zealand’s leading horticultural businesses. We seek, harness, and develop the best people, technology, land, and machinery to shape the future of food.