Orchard Operations Manager

7 days ago

Dunedin Central, New Zealand Cohesion Consulting NZ Limited Full time NZ$80,000 - NZ$120,000 per year

About the company

As international demand for premium New Zealand fruit continues to grow, this locally owned and operated horticultural business is thriving. Based half an hour from Wanaka, these orchards represent one of the largest operations of their kind under Kiwi ownership — a business with strong momentum and an exciting future ahead.

About the role We're looking for an Orchard Operations Manager to take a key leadership role overseeing the planning and delivery of orchard operations across two sites; unleashing their potential.

This is a hands-on position where you'll bring together people, systems and growing expertise to deliver outstanding fruit quality and a great working environment. You'll have the support of an experienced management and technical team and play a pivotal role in shaping how the business continues to grow and improve.

We're open to a range of experience levels — you might be an established orchard, vineyard or farm manager ready for a broader challenge, or an ambitious  assistant manager already operating at scale and looking for your next step. What matters most is that you're experienced, organised, practical, people-focused, and motivated to make things better every season.

The role includes:

  • Overseeing orchard operations, supporting on-site managers and seasonal teams
  • Managing irrigation, frost protection, machinery readiness and orchard systems
  • Working with advisors to deliver high-quality fruit and sustainable production
  • Leading harvest planning and coordination, including seasonal workforce management
  • Creating budgets, ensuring compliance and continuous improvement
  • Building a positive, safety-first team culture and leading by example

You'll bring:

  • Experience in horticultural or agricultural operations – stone fruit, apples, vineyards or similar
  • Proven leadership ability with a hands-on, practical approach
  • Strong communication and planning skills
  • Familiarity with orchard or farm management IT systems
  • A focus on quality, safety and teamwork

A tertiary qualification in horticulture or agriculture would be an advantage, but we're equally interested in your experience, attitude and leadership potential.

Why this role?

You'll be joining a supportive, forward-thinking team in one of New Zealand's most beautiful growing regions, with the scope to make a real impact on both people and production.

For further information please contact Cohesion, Nichola Rawlence or Rachel McNaughton

Please note only those with a current right to work in New Zealand can be considered for this position.

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