Orchard Assistant Manager

We are seeking an Orchard Assistant Manager to support the management of a significant pipfruit portfolio. Take the next step in your horticultural leadership career with one of Hawke's Bay's leading apple businesses. Apatu Farms is a leading family-owned agribusiness producing premium fruit, vegetables, and dairy products for local and global markets. Our apple division grows world-class varieties including Rockit™ and ENVY™, with a strong focus on innovation, quality, and continuous improvement. We are seeking an Orchard Assistant Manager to support the management of a significant pipfruit portfolio. Reporting directly to the Sector Manager, this role is ideal for an experienced Foreman or emerging orchard leader looking to broaden their management experience and progress their career. About the role: Working alongside the Sector Manager, you will play a key role in the day-to-day leadership of orchard operations, ensuring work programmes are completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest standard. You will help coordinate resources, lead and develop orchard teams, and contribute to achieving production, quality, and financial targets across the orchard portfolio. The other key bits: Support the Sector Manager in delivering orchard production plans. Lead and supervise orchard teams and contractors. Assist with planning and execution of seasonal work programmes. Monitor crop performance, orchard health, and fruit quality. Ensure health, safety, and quality standards are maintained. Support labour, equipment, and resource planning. Assist with budgeting, reporting, and operational performance monitoring. Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the orchard. About you: You are a motivated and capable leader with strong orchard experience and a passion for growing people and producing great fruit. You’ll bring: Experience in pipfruit orchard operations and people leadership. Strong communication and organisational skills. A hands-on approach with the ability to lead by example. Sound understanding of modern orchard systems and practices. Experience coordinating teams and work programmes. A commitment to health, safety, and quality. Current driver's licence and eligibility to work in New Zealand. Why Apatu Farms? Be a part of a progressive and growing horticultural business. Work with premium apple varieties including Rockit™ and ENVY™. Receive support and mentorship from experienced leaders. Opportunity to develop into future senior management roles. Competitive remuneration and career development opportunities. We Grow | Ka tipu tatou #J-18808-Ljbffr