Senior Farm Operations Leader – Horticulture

LeaderBrand; Gisborne; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

LeaderBrand in Gisborne, New Zealand, invites an experienced operational leader to join our Farming Leadership Team. You will lead nursery production, groundwork, cultivation, irrigation, planting and harvest, ensuring safety, efficiency and high standards across 60+ FTEs.

This senior, hands-on role requires coordinating with Crop Managers, specialists and contractors, implementing improvements, and shaping the future of fresh produce delivery across our regional farming operations.

Qualifications

• Experience leading substantial operational or field-based teams.
• Experience in commercial horticulture, farming or large-scale seasonal production.
• Strong people leadership, coaching and performance management.
• Ability to plan, prioritise and make sound decisions in changing environments.
• Experience managing resources, budgets, productivity and performance.
• Commitment to health, safety, quality and continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and continuously improve key farming support operations, including nursery production, cultivation, irrigation, planting and harvest.
• Manage six direct reports and a wider team of more than 60 FTEs, providing direction and accountability.
• Ensure operational plans are delivered safely, efficiently and on time.
• Collaborate with Crop Managers, technical specialists, contractors and the farming leadership team.
• Influence wider farming strategy and develop capable managers and supervisors.
• Lead in a hands-on, fast-paced environment with changing priorities.

Skills

Team leadership

Seasonal production

People leadership

Planning and decision-making

Resource and budget management

Health and safety focus

Communication skills

Job description

LeaderBrand in Gisborne, New Zealand, invites an experienced operational leader to join our Farming Leadership Team. You will lead nursery production, groundwork, cultivation, irrigation, planting and harvest, ensuring safety, efficiency and high standards across 60+ FTEs.

This senior, hands-on role requires coordinating with Crop Managers, specialists and contractors, implementing improvements, and shaping the future of fresh produce delivery across our regional farming operations.