Technical Operations Manager - Orchards

At Mr Apple, we don’t just grow apples — we grow people, expertise and the future of horticulture. We’re looking for a Technical Operations Manager – Orchards to help lift consistency, quality, and technical performance across our orchard operations. In thishands-on technical role,you willwork closely with the Head of Orchardsproviding deep technicalexpertiseacross orchard technical systems.Youwillensurespray programmes, maturity decisions, and labour execution are tightly aligned, enabling fruit to be picked atoptimalquality, yield, andperformance. Whatyou’llbe doing: Technical Orchard Leadership & Support:Lead spray programmes across the business,providingpractical technical guidance on planning, timing, product use, equipmentperformance,and best-practice application. Fruit Maturity Monitoring & Harvest Readiness:Guide consistent maturitymonitoringand help Orchard Managersinterpret anduse datafor decision making. Labour Movement Aligned to Maturity:Working with Orchard Managers to provide technical inputforprioritisingblocks and aligninglabour movement with fruit maturity and harvest readiness. Irrigation Systems & Water Management:Accountable foreffective irrigation systems and water management across orchard sites to improve tree performance,yield,and fruit quality. Orchard Redevelopment & Technical Projects:Provide technical input into orchard redevelopment, new plantings, infrastructureupgrades,and other practical orchard projects. R&D and Applied Research:Oversightoftranslatingresearch, trials and industry insights into practical orchard improvements that support better technical decision-making. Who you are: Technicalexpertisein apple growing systems, orchardperformance,and crop outcomes. Experience across spray programmes, machinery,irrigation,and orchard operations. A relevant horticulture, agriculture or related qualification, or equivalent practical experience. Sound problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose technical issues and recommend practical solutions. Confidence working hands-on across sites and alongside operational leaders. The ability to turn technical advice into clear actions. A curious, improvement-focused mindset with openness tonew technology, digitaltools,and AI-enabled ways of working. What we offer: A rare opportunity to shape technical orchard performance at New Zealand’s largest apple grower and exporter. The chance to make decisions that directly influence fruit quality,yield,and orchard outcomes across multiple sites. A role where your technicalexpertiseis valued,trusted,and used to solve real orchard challenges. Variety,challenge,and the satisfaction of seeing your advice turn into practical action in the orchard. Opportunities to keep learning, trialnew ideasand contribute to the future of high-performing horticulture. A supportive, values-led team that is stronger together, future-focused,and always growing. #J-18808-Ljbffr