Research & Development (R&D) and Lab Manager

Mr Apple Careers site; Nelson; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Opportunities to work with leading agr

Collaborative team environment

Job summary

Mr Apple, New Zealand's leading integrated apple grower, seeks an innovator to advance harvest outcomes through science, technology and data. Reporting to the Head of Orchards, you will translate maturity data and trial results into practical recommendations that boost orchard and post-harvest performance.

Your day-to-day includes collecting and analyzing maturity data, executing trials, supporting data systems, and providing technical guidance to orchard teams while leading the Laboratory group

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in horticulture, agriculture, plant science, food science, or related discipline.
• Experience in research, laboratory, technical, quality, or horticultural environments.
• Strong analytical capability with data integrity.
• Ability to communicate technical information practically.
• Passion for innovation, technology, and continuous improvement.
• Leadership or coordination experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Harvest research, maturity data collection and interpretation to inform harvest timing decisions.
• Plan, set up and execute harvest-related trials with technical managers.
• Contribute to data collection, analysis and improvements in harvest data systems.
• Provide technical support to orchard and post-harvest teams for maturity sampling and outputs.
• Lead, coach and support Laboratory team to foster high performance.

Skills

Harvest research

Data analysis

Laboratory experience

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in horticulture or related

Tools

Data systems

Job description

As New Zealand’s largest integrated apple grower, Mr Apple continues to grow the best people alongside the best apples. Science,technology,and data play an increasinglyimportant rolein how we optimise harvest timing, improve fruitquality,and deliver premium outcomes to customers around the world.

We are looking for someone to act as an innovator and champion within the business, actively identifying opportunities to improve harvest outcomes through science, technology, and data-driven approaches.

What you’ll be doing:

Reporting to the Head of Orchards, you will help our business to turn technical insight, maturity data and trial results into practical recommendations which contribute to orchard and post-harvest performance. Through accurate maturity monitoring, trial execution, data analysis, and the application of scientific and technological tools, you will support evidence‑based harvest decision making within the business.

Your day-to-day work will include:

• Harvest research & maturity science - Collection, analysis, and interpretation of fruit maturity data to inform harvest timing decisions.


• Trial execution & applied R&D - Work with technical managers in the planning, setup, and execution of harvest‑related trials ensuring they are practical and relevant to orchard and post‑harvest operations.


• Data, Technology & Systems Support - Contribute to continuous improvement in how harvest data is collected and analysed by using technology and data systems.


• Technical Support to Orchard & Post‑Harvest Teams - Provide technical support to orchard and post-harvest teams assisting with maturity sampling programmes, scientific measures and technical outputs, ensuring data is available when needed.


• People Leadership - Provide effective leadership, coaching and support to the Laboratory team, creating a positive, inclusive, and high-performing work environment.

What you’ll bring:

• You have a tertiary qualification in horticulture, agriculture, plant science, food science, or a related discipline


• Experienced in research, laboratory, technical, quality, or horticultural environments


• Strong analytical capability and a commitment to scientific accuracy and data integrity


• The ability to communicate technical information in practical terms


• A passion for innovation, technology, and continuous improvement


• Previous experience leading or coordinating a team is desirable.


• Eligibility to work in New Zealand and the ability to pass pre-employment checks

What we offer:

• The chance to work alongside experts in orcharding, post-harvest, research, and development


• The opportunity to influence harvest outcomes through science, data, and innovation


• A supportive environment where new ideas and continuous improvement are encouraged


• Exposure to leading horticultural research, technology, and industry partnerships