Operations Manager | LeaderBrand South Island

Farmers Weekly; Ashburton; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Attractive remuneration package

4x4 Toyota Hilux

Training and support for career growth

Job summary

LeaderBrand South Island seeks an Operations Manager to oversee and improve vegetable production at their Chertsey site in New Zealand. This role involves managing harvest operations, training staff, and ensuring safety and quality standards are met. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in horticulture management, possess exceptional people skills, and be familiar with modern farming technologies. Join a forward-thinking company focused on sustainable practices and excellent workplace culture.

Qualifications

• Experience in horticulture management or related fields.
• Strong operational skills with exceptional people management capabilities.
• Ability to execute strategic and business plans.

Responsibilities

• Manage production, harvest, and supply of fresh vegetables.
• Oversee staff training, health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Drive continuous business improvements and ensure product delivery.

Skills

Horticulture management

Operational skills

People management

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Stakeholder relationship

Time management

Technology usage

Tools

Software for farming

Job description

Rural Directions

Operations Manager | LeaderBrand South Island

Seeking an Operations Manager with energy & leadership capability to revolutionise the vegetable industry from garden gate to dinner plate?

Are you a natural leader with horticulture or farm management experience?

Join a company that encourages innovation and technology.

WHERE

LeaderBrand is a well-established, family-owned New Zealand horticultural business, operating farms in Gisborne, Pukekohe, and Ashburton and producing over 2,500 hectares of high-quality fresh vegetables annually for domestic and international markets.

With over fifty years of experience, the company combines a pioneering spirit and innovation with strong family values. Guided by its mission, \"Growing for a Healthy Future\", LeaderBrand sets the standard for sustainable farming, healthy communities, and great-tasting nutritious food, while continually investing in technology, sustainable practices, and initiatives that support both local communities and evolving food trends.

LeaderBrand South Island Ltd is part of this large independent vegetable growing, processing and marketing company and with a diverse range of cropping enterprises. The Operations Manager role is an exceptional opportunity for anyone looking to advance their career in agronomy and farm management.

WHAT

Based at the Chertsey site and reporting to the General Manager, the Operations Manager forms part of the Senior Leadership Team.

The role is primarily responsible for managing and supporting the production, harvest and supply of fresh vegetables and arable crops. Integral to this is helping to supervise and train staff, maintain health, safety and environmental standards, oversee resource management aspects, enhance workplace culture, drive continuous improvement across the business and ensure product delivery is on time and in full.

Operating in a dynamic environment with many stakeholders, this position requires an individual who has strong relationship skills and who has hands‑on experience either on‑farm or in a comparable industry, where aligned capabilities can be transferred and applied to LeaderBrand South Island’s business.

Collaboration across teams is key along with the willingness to remain hands‑on across every aspect of modern horticulture. No two days are the same, making this an exciting role with genuine growth opportunities in farm management and agronomy.

WHO

LeaderBrand South Island Ltd seeks a Farm Operations Manager who has transferrable skills from a similar role in large scale production, with a genuine interest in growing the highest quality vegetables.

The successful candidates will have:

• Experience as a grower, horticulture sector professional or operations with a blend of management experience.
• Extensive knowledge of horticulture production/agronomy practices (vegetables will be an advantage).
• Strong operational skills with exceptional people management experience, time management, problem‑solving, and decision‑making abilities.
• Capable of providing input into the Strategic and Business Plans and executing them with expected results.
• Commitment to regulatory compliance, health & safety and sustainable farming practices.
• Ability to work collaboratively, strong stakeholder relationship skills and manage a team of 15 to 100 staff depending on the season.
• Technology minded and ability to utilise a variety of software.
• Genuine interest in farming, technology, and the environment.

WHY

• Work for a leading food producer in a role with the opportunity to shape the future and set the standard of vegetable production in NZ.
• LeaderBrand South Island values their employees and offer a supportive, friendly, and secure work environment.
• Attractive remuneration package – salary, 4x4 Toyota Hilux and other tools required.
• Training, support, exposure and plenty of growth internally within LeaderBrand and externally in the wider industry – grow your career from this incredible network.
• A commercial business founded on strong family values, awesome teammates and a positive team culture.
• A continuous improvement culture, from investing in new technology to sustainable farming practices, food trends to giving back to their local communities.
• Join the flow of people heading to Ashburton region for the great work opportunities, affordable real estate and great lifestyle on offer.
• If you have the relevant experience and skills, enjoy a challenge and want a role with autonomy and opportunities within a growing business, get in touch today!

Applications will be reviewed as they are received so apply today! Only job seekers with a full current NZ Driver’s Licence and have NZ Residency or a valid Work Visa will be eligible to apply for this role.