Packhouse Team Leader (Cherry Harvest)

Central Orchard Management Ltd.; Cromwell Community; On-site; NZD 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A fruit production company in Central Otago is looking for a Packhouse Team Leader for the summer season. The role includes leading a team to meet production targets, ensuring a safe work environment, and developing leadership skills. Ideal candidates are motivated, adaptable, and enjoy working with diverse teams. Competitive pay and bonuses available, along with hands-on leadership experience.

Benefits

Competitive pay

Performance bonus

Shift bonus

Leadership training

Hands-on leadership experience

Cool working conditions

Supportive environment

Qualifications

• Motivated and proactive leader ready to take responsibility.
• Clear communicator who works well with diverse teams.
• Empathetic and approachable, able to support and motivate the team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate the team to hit production goals.
• Coordinate workflow and adjust to daily needs.
• Ensure a safe, tidy, and efficient working environment.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Flexibility

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Job description

PACKHOUSE TEAM LEADER WANTED – SUMMER JOB IN CROMWELL
Location: Cromwell, Central Otago, New Zealand
Season: Summer 25/26 (December - February)
Job Type: Casual, Seasonal Work

Ready to lead a team, develop your management skills, and work alongside people from across the globe?
Step into the role of Packhouse Team Leader and take responsibility for your crew on the production floor. Build practical leadership experience while shaping your own approach to guiding and motivating your team.

About the Role

As a Packhouse Team Leader, you’ll manage a group of packhouse staff to meet production targets, maintain top quality and keep operations safe and efficient. You’ll motivate your team, solve problems on the go and coordinate with other leaders to keep everything on track.

What the job involves:

• Leading and motivating your team to hit production goals

• Coordinating workflow and adjusting to daily needs

• Troubleshooting operational issues quickly and effectively

• Communicating clearly with staff and management

• Ensuring a safe, tidy and efficient working environment

• Working in cool conditions – a refreshing change from the Central Otago heat

• From peak season on, working either early morning shifts (~6:00 am start) or late afternoon/evening shifts

• Working hours vary depending on fruit volume, with shifts typically ranging from 6-10hrs

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone with the right attitude to lead and support a team. Experience in packhouses or leadership is helpful but not essential - enthusiasm, motivation, and a positive mindset matter most.

You are:

• Motivated and proactive – ready to step up and take responsibility

• A clear communicator who works well with a diverse team

• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities and production demands

• Empathetic and approachable – able to support and motivate your team

• Organised and solutions-focused

• Detail-oriented with a continuous improvement mindset

• Ideally experienced in a packhouse or in leading a team, but this is a bonus, not a requirement

What You’ll Get

• Competitive pay – reflecting experience, teamwork and reliability

• Performance bonus – rewarding those who stay the season with strong attendance and high performance

• Shift bonus – for working late afternoon/evening shifts during peak season

• Leadership training – build skills you can use anywhere

• Hands-on leadership experience – develop your own style in a real-world environment

• Cool working conditions – escape the summer heat

• Work with an international crew – lead people from all over the world

• Supportive environment – work closely with management and other leaders

Join Us!

Packhouse leadership roles fill quickly - apply now to secure your spot.

Lead a great team, gain valuable leadership skills and make your Central Otago summer one to remember!