Operations Manager

Rylan Consulting Limited; Cust; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Wesco Seeds, a Proudly New Zealand-owned business in North Canterbury, seeks an Operations Manager to lead production, processing, warehousing and dispatch. This hands-on role drives planning, efficiency and continuous improvement across the operation.

You will manage a small team, improve scheduling, inventory control and technology use, and push for on-time delivery to customers while supporting growth objectives.

Qualifications

• Proven operational leadership experience.
• Strong production planning and scheduling capability.
• Experience implementing process improvement initiatives.
• Experience leading change and introducing new systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience using ERP, inventory or CRM systems.
• Hands-on approach and willingness to work with the team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage production plans to meet customer demand.
• Purchase seed, chemicals and treatments.
• Coordinate labour, machinery, stock and freight requirements.
• Ensure seasonal workload is planned and managed effectively.
• Monitor workflow and capacity across operational areas.
• Lead initiatives that reduce waste, delays and errors.
• Lead upgrade and optimisation of the Tall Emu ERP/CRM system.
• Improve inventory visibility and reporting through technology.
• Lead, coach and develop a small team of operational staff.
• Plan workforce requirements through seasonal peaks.
• Recruit and coordinate temporary staff when required.
• Create a positive, engaged and high-performing team environment.

Skills

Operational leadership

Production planning

Process improvement

Change management

Analytical thinking

Team leadership

Health & safety

ERP/CRM systems

Tools

Tall Emu ERP

Job description

Location: Cust, Rangiora, North Canterbury
Full Time

About Wesco Seeds

Wesco Seeds is a proudly New Zealand-owned family business with a long history in the seed industry. Over recent years the business has experienced strong growth and is continuing to invest in people, systems, technology and operational capability to support future success.

As part of this growth, we are creating a new Operations Manager role to provide leadership across our production, processing, warehousing and dispatch functions. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys improving the way a business operates and likes turning ideas into practical results.

The Opportunity

This is a hands-on leadership role of a small team. You will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of our seed cleaning, treatment, mixing, bagging, warehousing and dispatch functions. Reporting to the General Manager, you will create structure and accountability across the operation while leading improvements in production planning, inventory management, systems, processes and team performance.

A key focus of the role will be ensuring the business is positioned for continued growth through better planning, improved workflows, smarter use of technology and implementation of continuous improvement practices.

You will become the central point of coordination for operations and help ensure the right product is available at the right time, in the right place, and delivered efficiently to customers within agreed timeframes and meeting KPIs.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Production Planning & Operational Leadership

Develop and manage production plans to meet customer demand

Purchase seed, chemicals and treatments

Coordinate labour, machinery, stock and freight requirements

Ensure seasonal workload is planned and managed effectively

Monitor workflow and capacity across all operational areas

Improve production scheduling and resource utilisation.

Review and analyse current operational processes and identify opportunities for improvement

Lead initiatives that reduce waste, duplication, delays and errors

Implement practical systems and processes that improve productivity

Establish performance measures and reporting to support decision making

Drive a culture of accountability, efficiency and continuous improvement.

Lead the ongoing upgrade and optimisation of the Tall Emu ERP/CRM system

Improve inventory visibility, production planning and operational reporting through technology

Work closely with staff to implement new processes and embed system improvements

Ensure the business gains maximum benefit from its investment in technology.

Lead, coach and develop small team of operational staff

Plan workforce requirements through seasonal peaks

Recruit and coordinate temporary staff when required

Create a positive, engaged and high-performing team environment.

Inventory, Warehousing & Logistics

Oversee stock management and inventory accuracy

Manage incoming and outgoing freight, dispatch and supplier coordination by meeting agreed KPIs

Ensure operational activities are completed accurately and on time

Improve warehouse flow and product traceability.

Health & Safety

Manage, lead and champion health and safety

Promote a strong health and safety culture

Ensure safe work practices and regulatory compliance

Lead investigations and continuous improvement activities.

About You

To be successful you will bring:

Proven operational leadership experience

Strong production planning and scheduling capability

Experience implementing process improvement initiatives

Experience leading change and introducing new systems

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

The ability to identify inefficiencies and turn them into improvements

Experience using ERP, inventory or CRM systems

A hands-on approach and willingness to work alongside the team

Good mechanical aptitude

Strong communication and leadership skills.

Experience in agriculture, seed processing, manufacturing, logistics, food processing, warehousing or a related industry would be highly regarded.

Why Join Wesco?

Opportunity to build and shape a newly created leadership role

Lead meaningful operational improvements

Play a key role in implementing new technology and systems

Join a growing New Zealand business with ambitious plans for the future

Have a direct influence on productivity, customer service and business performance

Competitive salary package.