Packhouse Team Leader

Best Berries Ltd; Riverhead; On-site; NZD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Best Berries Ltd, based in Riverhead, Auckland, is seeking a Packhouse Team Leader for the peak strawberry season. Immediate start and full-time seasonal hours in a hands-on leadership role within our busy packhouse environment.

You will lead a small team, ensure efficient packing to high quality standards, and perform routine maintenance while keeping safety and organisation at the forefront.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a packhouse, warehouse, horticulture, manufacturing or production environment.
• Team leader or supervisory experience (preferred but not essential).
• Excellent physical fitness and the ability to comfortably undertake heavy manual work throughout the day.
• A practical, hands-on attitude with good handyman or maintenance skills.
• The ability to think on your feet and use initiative.
• A strong work ethic and willingness to lead by example.
• Good communication skills and the ability to motivate others.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the daily operation of the packhouse.
• Supervise and work alongside the packing team.
• Ensure strawberries are packed to quality and production standards.
• Carry out regular heavy lifting and movement of fruit, trays and materials.
• Load, unload and move stock throughout the day.
• Repair and maintain strawberry carriers.
• Carry out general handyman, maintenance and odd jobs around the farm.
• Help maintain a clean, organised and safe workplace.
• Assist with general farm duties when required.
• Promote safe work practices and lead by example.

Skills

Team leadership

Physical fitness

Communication skills

Reliability

Initiative

Hands-on

Tools

Forklift licence

Driver's licence

Job description

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Packhouse Team Leader (Seasonal)
Immediate Start | Full-Time | Seasonal Position
Location: Riverhead, Auckland

About Best Berries
Best Berries is one of New Zealand's leading strawberry growers, based in Riverhead, Auckland. We grow premium-quality strawberries using innovative and sustainable farming practices and are proud to supply fresh berries to customers throughout New Zealand.
We're looking for a hardworking, practical and motivated Packhouse Team Leader to join our team for the remainder of the strawberry season.

About the Role

This is a hands-on leadership role working in our busy strawberry packhouse during our peak season.
You'll lead a small team while working alongside them to ensure strawberries are packed efficiently, safely and to the highest quality standards.
This is a physically demanding role involving regular heavy lifting, moving trays of fruit, loading and unloading materials, and keeping the packhouse running smoothly. You'll need to be someone who isn't afraid of hard work, enjoys being active and is happy to roll up your sleeves.
You'll also help with general maintenance around the packhouse, including repairing strawberry carriers, maintaining equipment and completing a variety of handyman tasks as required.
This is a seasonal position available immediately through until the end of the strawberry season, with full-time hours available.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support the daily operation of the packhouse.
• Supervise and work alongside the packing team.
• Ensure strawberries are packed to quality and production standards.
• Carry out regular heavy lifting and movement of fruit, trays and materials.
• Load, unload and move stock throughout the day.
• Repair and maintain strawberry carriers.
• Carry out general handyman, maintenance and odd jobs around the farm.
• Help maintain a clean, organised and safe workplace.
• Assist with general farm duties when required.
• Promote safe work practices and lead by example.

About You

• Previous experience in a packhouse, warehouse, horticulture, manufacturing or production environment.
• Team leader or supervisory experience (preferred but not essential).
• Excellent physical fitness and the ability to comfortably undertake heavy manual work throughout the day.
• A practical, hands-on attitude with good handyman or maintenance skills.
• The ability to think on your feet and use initiative.
• A strong work ethic and willingness to lead by example.
• Good communication skills and the ability to motivate others.
• A positive attitude and reliability.
• A current New Zealand or International driver's licence (preferred).
• A forklift licence would be an advantage but is not essential.
• Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.

The Opportunity

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a friendly, hardworking team during one of the busiest times of the year.
We're looking for someone who is fit, switched on, practical and enjoys working hard. If you like being active, leading from the front and working in a fast-paced environment, we'd love to hear from you.
Immediate start available.
Applicants must already be in New Zealand and available to commence work immediately.