Orchard Manager

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey. Western Bay of Plenty District, North Island Alam & Muskaan Limited is seeking an experienced Orchard Manager to lead and coordinate horticultural operations across orchard sites throughout the Bay of Plenty. The Orchard Manager will be responsible for planning orchard activities, managing operational workloads, overseeing supervisors and workers, maintaining client relationships and ensuring orchard work is completed safely, efficiently and to required industry standards. This position requires strong leadership, practical horticultural knowledge and the ability to manage multiple orchard sites, seasonal work programmes, staffing requirements and production objectives. The successful applicant will work closely with the company director, orchard owners, clients, contractors and operational staff to maintain productive orchard operations and deliver agreed service outcomes. Key responsibilities Plan, organise and manage orchard operations across assigned sites. Develop seasonal work programmes covering pruning, canopy management, thinning, pollination, harvest and orchard maintenance. Coordinate supervisors, leading hands, orchard workers and contractors. Assess orchard conditions and determine labour, equipment and material requirements. Monitor crop health, orchard productivity and the quality of completed work. Manage orchard workloads to ensure client requirements and production deadlines are met. Liaise with orchard owners, growers, clients and industry representatives. Coordinate irrigation, fertiliser application, pest and disease monitoring and other crop management activities. Oversee orchard infrastructure maintenance, including support structures, shelter systems, irrigation equipment and accessways. Plan and coordinate harvest activities, labour requirements and associated logistics. Monitor expenditure, resource use, work productivity and operational performance. Prepare operational reports, work plans and records for company management. Ensure orchard activities comply with health and safety requirements, employment obligations and applicable industry standards. Support recruitment, training, staff development and performance management. Ensure workers are assigned duties and worksites consistent with their employment agreements and visa conditions. Identify operational risks and recommend improvements to orchard management practices. Qualifications and experience Applicants should have: A relevant bachelor’s degree or higher qualification in horticulture, agriculture, agribusiness or a related discipline; or At least three years of relevant experience in orchard operations, horticultural management or a closely related field. Applicants should also demonstrate: Experience managing orchard activities, seasonal work programmes or horticultural teams. Strong knowledge of kiwifruit production and orchard management practices. Experience coordinating workers, supervisors and contractors. The ability to manage operational budgets, work schedules and resource requirements. Strong communication skills and experience liaising with clients or orchard owners. Knowledge of workplace health and safety and agricultural compliance requirements. The ability to maintain accurate operational records and prepare management reports. A current driver licence suitable for travel between orchard sites. Experience with agrichemical management, irrigation systems, orchard infrastructure, harvest planning and kiwifruit industry compliance would be advantageous. What we offer Permanent, full-time employment with a minimum of 30 hours per week. A competitive hourly rate of $38.00–$45.00, depending on qualifications and experience. Responsibility for managing varied orchard operations throughout the Bay of Plenty. The opportunity to contribute to operational planning, client relationships and business development. A supportive working environment with opportunities for professional development. Working conditions The position involves regular travel between orchard sites, outdoor work and flexibility to meet seasonal operational requirements. Additional hours may be required during peak periods, including pruning and harvest. All hours worked will be paid at the employee’s agreed hourly rate. #J-18808-Ljbffr