Team Leader Picking Crew

Central Orchard Management Ltd.; Cromwell Community; On-site; NZD 9,000 - 15,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free transport to/from orchards

Certificate leadership training

Weekly performance reviews with bonus

Phone allowance

Training certificate

Global team camaraderie

Job summary

Central Orchard Management Ltd. is seeking a Team Leader to manage a 18+ person cherry-picking crew in Cromwell, Central Otago, New Zealand for the Summer 26/27 season (Dec 2026–Jan/Feb 2027).

You will lead daily operations, ensure safety, and drive quality fruit and performance targets in a dynamic outdoor environment. You will develop leadership and people-management skills while coordinating shifts, providing training, and maintaining records.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a team, or willing to gain leadership experience.
• Ability to communicate clearly with diverse team members.
• Proactive, organised and reliable in outdoor, fast-paced settings.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support a crew of 18+ cherry pickers to meet daily harvest goals.
• Monitor fruit quality and provide on‑the‑job training.
• Give clear, constructive feedback to help pickers improve.
• Keep accurate records such as timesheets and logs.
• Ensure adherence to Health & Safety procedures.
• Motivate your team to perform at their best.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Communication

Safety awareness

Job description

TEAM LEADER WANTED – LEAD A PICKING CREW

Location: Cromwell & surrounding areas, Central Otago, New ZealandSeason: Summer 26/27 (December 2026 - January/February 2027)Job Type: Seasonal Work | Fixed-term | Free transport

Ready to step up and lead a team?

Join our cherry harvest team as a Team Leader and gain genuine, hands‑on leadership experience while working with people from all over the world.

You’ll be responsible for a crew of 18+ pickers, helping them work safely, pick quality fruit and achieve daily performance targets. It’s a great opportunity to develop your communication, leadership and people‑management skills in a fast‑paced outdoor environment.

About the Role

As a Team Leader, you’ll be the main point of contact for your crew throughout the harvest day.

What the job involves:

• Leading and supporting a team of 18+ cherry pickers to meet daily harvest goals
• Monitoring fruit quality and providing on‑the‑job training
• Giving clear, constructive feedback to help pickers improve
• Keeping accurate records such as timesheets
• Making sure your team follows all Health & Safety procedures
• Supporting and motivating your team to perform their potential

Working hours & flexibility

Cherry harvest is a 7-day operation during peak periods, so flexibility and availability are important.

• Early morning starts, generally between 6:00–7:00 am
• Daily start times and hours can change from day to day, depending on fruit maturity, weather and harvest requirements
• Work may sometimes be adjusted at short notice, including changes to the planned start time or finish time
• Weekend work is required during the peak harvest period
• Work is generally organised around the needs of the orchard, with hours and days varying throughout the season

What We’re Looking For

You’re someone who enjoys responsibility, can handle challenging situations and thrives in a people‑focused role.

You are:

• A clear communicator – able to give updates and feedback, explain tasks and communicate effectively
• Calm under pressure and flexible in adapting plans & priorities as situations change
• Experienced in leading a team, OR you’re keen to gain leadership experience
• Empathetic and approachable – someone your team feels comfortable coming to for help
• Organised and reliablewith a keen eye for detail
• Proactive – you notice problems and take action rather than waiting to be asked
• Positive and motivating – able to keep your team focused during long harvest days

What You’ll Get

• Opportunity to earn good money
• Weekly performance reviews with bonus opportunities
• Phone allowance for work‑related use of your personal phone
• Performance bonus – rewarding those who stay the season with strong attendance and high performance
• Free transport to and from the orchards
• Professional team leader training including a certificate
• Work with people from all over the world
• Supportive environment that values initiative and communication
• Real hands‑on leadership experience you can take into your next job

Join Us!

This is more than just a summer job. You’ll have the opportunity to lead a team, deal with real challenges and develop your own leadership style – all while experiencing a New Zealand summer in beautiful Central Otago.