Harvest Floor Leader - Packhouse Ops (Fixed-Term)

Centralpac Ltd.; Central Otago; On-site; NZD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

CentralPac Ltd. in Cromwell, Central Otago, is seeking an experienced Floor Manager to lead packing floor operations during the cherry harvest. You will report to the Packing Manager, directing multiple teams, and ensuring safe, efficient production aligned with the plan.

This hands-on role covers packing, quality assessment, grading, machinery, packaging, coolstore and maintenance, adapting to changing fruit conditions and production constraints while keeping on-track against set standards.

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant field (or degree in any field plus 12 months relevant work experience, with two cherry-specific packing seasons)
• Previous experience supervising or coordinating staff
• Proven understanding of fruit grading, quality, sizing, and packing specifications
• Experience with production plans, packruns, or customer packing requirements
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Good understanding of traceability, food safety, hygiene and workplace health and safety
• Comfortable using production systems and maintaining accurate operational records
• Experience with automated optical fruit grading equipment is desirable (Unitec experience an advantage)

Responsibilities

• Coordinate packing operations and deliver the shift production plan
• Lead and support Team Leads to manage staff performance, productivity, and training
• Allocate staff and adjust labour as production requirements change
• Monitor production flow, identify bottlenecks, and respond to downtime or breakdowns
• Coordinate packrun, variety, grade, size, packaging, and labelling changeovers
• Work closely with Unitec Machine Operators, QC, Crop Quality, Coolstore, Inwards, and Maintenance
• Respond to changing fruit quality, grading outcomes, and production priorities
• Ensure packing, presentation, traceability, and customer requirements are maintained
• Lead shift briefings and maintain clear communication across production teams
• Monitor staff performance, attendance, training, and workplace standards
• Ensure food safety, hygiene, biosecurity, and health and safety requirements are followed
• Provide clear shift handovers and report key production issues to the Packing Manager

Skills

People leadership

Communication

Safety awareness

Traceability

Education

Degree in a relevant field

Job description

CentralPac Ltd. in Cromwell, Central Otago, is seeking an experienced Floor Manager to lead packing floor operations during the cherry harvest. You will report to the Packing Manager, directing multiple teams, and ensuring safe, efficient production aligned with the plan.

This hands-on role covers packing, quality assessment, grading, machinery, packaging, coolstore and maintenance, adapting to changing fruit conditions and production constraints while keeping on-track against set standards.