Senior Safety Partner

Mr Apple New Zealand Ltd; Hastings; On-site; NZD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural firm in Hawke's Bay seeks a Senior Safety Partner dedicated to enhancing safety culture across the organization. You'll oversee health and safety operations while building strong relationships and coaching teams. Ideal candidates will have strong industry knowledge, a Level 6+ qualification in Health & Safety, and a commitment to safety and wellbeing. Enjoy a diverse work environment with ample growth opportunities.

Benefits

Career progression opportunities

Collaborative team environment

Values-driven workplace

Qualifications

• 5+ years in operational health & safety advisory roles.
• Deep knowledge of HSWA 2015 and industry best practice.
• Chartered HASANZ membership (or working towards).
• ISO 45001 Lead Auditor certification is a bonus.

Responsibilities

• Lead safety and wellbeing programmes that make a real difference.
• Build a robust safety framework aligned with ISO45001.
• Conduct regular site visits and assessments.
• Champion mental health, cultural inclusion, and pastoral care initiatives.

Skills

Operational health & safety advisory

Relationship building

Influencing change

Safety systems knowledge

Education

Level 6+ qualification in Health & Safety

Tools

Risk Manager

Job description

Overview

At Mr Apple, we’re growing more than just world-class apples—we’re cultivating a culture where safety and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do. When we connect, trust, and lead in safety, we create a workplace where people feel cared for, supported, and proud to be part of the team.

We’re on the lookout for a Senior Safety Partner who’s ready to roll up their sleeves, lead with heart, and help us keep our orchards, packhouses, coolstores, transport hubs, and head office thriving. If you’re passionate about making safety real—not just ticking boxes—this is your chance to make a genuine impact.

You’ll lead the day-to-day operational aspects of health and safety, ensuring full compliance with HSWA and industry standards. As the primary point of contact for all hazard and risk matters, you’ll conduct regular site visits and assessments, build strong relationships, and reinforce safe behaviours across our Orchards, Packhouses, Coolstores, Transport hubs and Head Office.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading safety and wellbeing programmes that make a real difference.
• Building a robust safety framework aligned with ISO45001.
• Showing up on-site—toolbox talks, safety interactions, and real conversations that build trust. Investigating incidents, identifying root causes, and embedding learnings that stick
• Partnering with site managers, H&S reps, and external agencies to keep us compliant and proactive.
• Turn data into action and insights into impact.
• Coaching and mentoring our safety team to grow capability across the business.
• Championing mental health, cultural inclusion, and pastoral care initiatives.

What you’ll bring

• 5+ years in operational health & safety advisory roles.
• Deep knowledge of HSWA 2015 and industry best practice.
• A knack for building relationships and influencing change.
• Experience with safety systems like Risk Manager.
• A Level 6+ qualification in Health & Safety (or related field).
• Chartered HASANZ membership (or working towards).
• Bonus points if you’ve got ISO 45001 Lead Auditor certification.

What we offer

• Gain strong operational health and safety exposure and variety in a diverse and fast paced environment
• Grow your leadership capability with real opportunities for development and career progression
• A team that values honesty, backs each other, and celebrates wins
• Collaborate with industry experts and a values-driven team that champions inclusion and performance
• A chance to shape the safety culture of New Zealand’s largest apple grower.

Who we are

Mr Apple is New Zealand’s largest apple grower and exporter, with 15 orchards and multiple post-harvest facilities across sunny Hawke’s Bay. We’re proud to be part of Scales Corporation, a NZX-listed company with over 120 years of agribusiness leadership.

At Mr Apple, we believe perfection starts with people. That’s why we hire and grow a diverse workforce from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Ready to help us grow a safer, stronger Mr Apple? Let’s talk.