ORCHARD SUPERVISOR | Gisborne

Thompsonsltd; Gisborne; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Thompson's Horticulture Ltd in Gisborne is seeking an experienced Orchard Supervisor to lead a kiwifruit crew through winter pruning to harvest. This permanent, full-time role reports to the Orchard Manager and offers immediate start for a motivated outdoors professional.

You will drive safety, payroll records with AgriSmart, and continuous improvements in orchard practices while building a high-performing team committed to quality and efficiency.

Qualifications

• 2+ years orchard experience and/or a horticulture qualification.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a team.
• Full driver’s licence.
• Strong communication skills with crew and management.
• Passion for working outdoors year-round.
• Excellent time management and ability to self-direct.
• Professional and ethical approach.
• Energy and patience to work with a diverse team.
• Previous supervisory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate your crew through all stages of the kiwifruit season - winter pruning through to harvest.
• Monitor productivity (bays/hr, bins/hr, bud numbers/m²) against seasonal benchmarks.
• Build and retain a motivated crew, with a focus on quality, consistency, and low staff turnover.
• Oversee health and safety - toolbox meetings, safe work practices, and prompt incident reporting.
• Maintain accurate payroll and crew records through AgriSmart on a daily basis.
• Liaise with the Orchard Manager to continuously improve orchard practices and uphold THL standards.

Skills

Team leadership

Orchard experience

Driver's licence

Strong communication

Outdoor work passion

Time management

Professional conduct

Diversity awareness

Supervisory experience

Education

Horticulture qualification

Tools

AgriSmart payroll

Job description

Thompson's Horticulture Ltd

Orchard Supervisor

Gisborne · Kiwifruit

Gisborne 10-20 direct reports (Season dependant) Permanent Horticulture

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Orchard Supervisors to join the Thompson's Horticulture team in Gisborne. If you're a natural leader who thrives outdoors, takes pride in your team's output, and knows your way around a kiwifruit orchard - we'd love to hear from you.

About the role

Based in Gisborne

Gisborne is one of New Zealand's premier kiwifruit growing regions. These are permanent, full-time positions working across local orchards, reporting to the Orchard Manager. Immediate start available

What you'll be doing

• Leading and coordinating your crew through all stages of the kiwifruit season - winter pruning through to harvest
• Monitoring productivity (bays/hr, bins/hr, bud numbers/m²) against seasonal benchmarks
• Building and retaining a motivated crew, with a focus on quality, consistency, and low staff turnover
• Overseeing health and safety - toolbox meetings, safe work practices, and prompt incident reporting
• Maintaining accurate payroll and crew records through AgriSmart on a daily basis
• Liaising with the Orchard Manager to continuously improve orchard practices and uphold THL standards

What we're looking for

• 2+ years orchard experience, and/or a horticulture qualification
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a team
• Full driver's licence
• Strong communication skills - with crew and management alike
• Genuine passion for working outdoors year-round
• Excellent time management and ability to self-direct
• Professional and ethical approach to the role
• Energy and patience to work with a diverse team
• Previous supervisory experience preferred

Why Thompson's

Thompson's Horticulture Ltd is a well-established operation with strong relationships across the Kiwifruit network and a reputation for quality. You’ll have real responsibility from day one - your crew, your targets. We back people who take pride in their work and want to grow their knowledge of the industry alongside us. With two roles on offer, this is a great opportunity to join a team that is growing in Gisborne.

Please note: only candidates with current work rights in New Zealand will be considered.