Operations Manager

Leaderbrand; Gisborne; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

LeaderBrand in Gisborne, New Zealand, is seeking an experienced operational leader to head our farming support operations across nursery production, cultivation, irrigation, planting and harvest. You will lead six direct reports and a wider team of more than 60 FTEs, ensuring safe, efficient delivery and alignment with our high standards.

Reporting to the General Manager – Farming, you will influence farming strategy, manage resources and budgets, and drive continuous improvement in health,

Qualifications

• Proven operational leader with experience in commercial horticulture, farming, agriculture or another comparable large-scale, seasonal production environment.
• Experience leading substantial operational or field-based teams.
• Ability to plan, prioritise and make sound decisions in a changing operational environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and continuously improve farming support operations (nursery production, cultivation, irrigation, planting and harvest).
• Direct six reports and a wider team of 60+ FTEs with clear direction and accountability.
• Collaborate with Crop Managers, contractors and the farming leadership team to deliver safe, on-time plans.
• Influence wider farming strategy and oversee resource allocation, budgets and performance.

Skills

Large-scale farming

People leadership

Health & safety

Budget management

Operational planning

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

This is an outstanding opportunity to joinLeaderBrand— a role of this calibre does not come up often.

LeaderBrand is one of New Zealand’s most recognised horticultural businesses, proudly growing , harvesting and supplying fresh vegetables to Kiwi families for more than 50 years.

We are looking for an experienced operational leader with a strong background inlarge-scale farming, horticulture or primary productionto join our Farming Leadership Team.

Reporting to the General Manager – Farming, you will lead the teams responsible for crop-support operations across nursery production, groundwork, cultivation, land development, irrigation, planting and harvest. You will ensure these functions are delivered safely, efficiently and to the high standard LeaderBrand is known for.

This is a senior, hands-on leadership role with significant responsibility. You will lead experienced managers and supervisors, oversee a workforce of more than 60 FTEs, influence wider farming strategy, and play a key part in delivering reliable, high-quality fresh produce.

The role

You will lead and continuously improve key farming support operations, including nursery production, cultivation, irrigation, planting and harvest. You will work closely with Crop Managers, technical specialists, contractors and the wider farming leadership team to ensure operational plans are delivered safely, efficiently and on time.

You will lead six direct reports and a wider team of more than 60 FTEs, providing clear direction, building accountability and developing capable managers, supervisors and operational teams.

This role follows the rhythm of the growing season, so you will be comfortable in a practical, fast-paced environment where changing priorities and a hands-on leadership approach are part of the job.

About You

You will be a proven operational leader with experience in commercial horticulture, farming, agriculture or another comparable large-scale, seasonal production environment.

You will bring:

• Experience leading substantial operational or field-based teams.
• A practical understanding of seasonal production and farming operations.
• Strong people leadership skills, including coaching, performance management and building accountability.
• The ability to plan, prioritise and make sound decisions in a changing operational environment.
• Experience managing resources, budgets, productivity and operational performance.
• A strong commitment to health, safety, quality and continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

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.