Orchard/Sector Manager

BackgroundHaumako has embarked on a greenfield horticultural development to increase land utilisation in Wairoa for the benefit of current and future generations. We started with a ten-hectare apple orchard in 2021 and on completion of this successful trial we have started to expand – at pace! We have ambitious growth plans with the intention to diversify into a range of horticultural crops to provide long-term sustainable employment opportunities in Wairoa.Haumako live by deeply held values of Rangatiratanga, Whanaungatanga, Manaakitanga, Tiakitanga and Wairuatanga. Our vision is for sustainable use and development of our whenua to create a community of horticulture that our people are proud of.Job PurposeTo deliver on strategic objectives for orchard operations in a manner that produces crops that meet market demands, delivers on targeted returns and supports the long-term growth and retention of iwi partnerships and relationships.To ensure Haumako owned blocks are meticulously maintained and managed including tree health, grounds and facilities and that the operations are optimally resourced with appropriately skilled teams of people to ensure orchards are able to operate efficiently and effectively.Delivery of Strategic ObjectivesStrategic direction is provided to the GM from an operations perspective to support the long-term success of Haumako and its people.Delivery on business plan objectives is tracked and regularly reported to the GMThe GM is appropriately advised on improvements, risks and recommended expenditure which would improve quality, performance and returnsObjectives & KPI's are set for orchard operations with on-going measurement aligned to the strategic plan deliveryKey relationships are strategically developed and managed to support overall success and provide new opportunities.The GM is consulted prior to embarking on any initiative which deviates from the agreed business planOrchard OperationsPlan and manage orchard operations to achieve production goalsWorkplans are in place and regularly reviewed so that seasonal tasks and programmes including planting, thinning, pruning, spraying & fertilising are actioned and deliver on targeted outcomesPlan and supply materials, resources and labour requirements for timely completion of all tasksTechnical advice and support is provided so targeted outcomes are achieved and new developments are successfully implementedBe responsible for food safety standards for fruit in managed orchard.Demonstrate understanding of the legislative requirements of a food safety programme and manage within orchardPlant, grounds and facilities are meticulously maintainedCompliance and audit systems are in place to ensure activities comply with all regulatory requirements and quality standardsDemonstrate understanding of market access and GAP requirements and ensure orchard operations are being implemented to meet theseDocumentation, records and traceability systems are maintained and consolidated for all blocksPlan and manage harvest logisticsUnderstand production and post-harvest value chain stream and provide a forum for feedback of where improvements can be made in the workplacePlan and manage sustainable practices in orchard operations to ensure land use for the future.Orchard DevelopmentDevelopment projects are managed to ensure their success and regularly reported to the BoardAll contractors and supplier contracts are managed to ensure delivery on agreed targets / costs / timeframesProactively identify risks and work with the relevant groups within Haumako to mitigate these.Crop SupplyCrop supply requirements are planned and managed in conjunction with the GM & Board annually to achieve production goals and communicated to Block LeadsHave an awareness of biosecurity risks to the cropRegular contact is maintained with Block Leads and Contract Growers to ensure crop estimates are maintained, potential supply issues are identified early, and remedial steps can be taken where requiredDemonstrate leadership and implement proper people management proceduresDirection, knowledge and guidance is provided to the team such that expectations and targets are clear, activities are planned and coordinated and expected outcomes are achievedA high performance culture is maintained with best practice people management policies, practices, systems and processes in place to support the culture and which ensure legislative complianceEffective consultation and communication are cultural norms to ensure staff engagement and alignment with strategic goals.Orchard operations are resourced with appropriately skilled teams of people to ensure they operate efficiently and effectively and support the cadetshipsEmployee safety and wellbeing is effectively managed to the extent there are no avoidable accidents or near misses.Supervise and be responsible for the implementation of a health and safety planWork closely with the Block Leader to proactively plan future workforce requirements.Recruit, train, and mentor staff to create an energised and engaged orchard team/sDevelop and implement cadetship programme to build a skilled horticultural workforce and future leadership capability.Individual team members records are maintained, poor performance/misconduct is managed effectively.Compliance, Health and Safety, Documentation and record keepingEmployee safety and wellbeing is effectively planned and managed to the extent there are no avoidable accidents or near misses.All orchard operation complies with good practice, industry standards, Haumako policy and any specific customer or landowner requirementsHazards are identified and control procedures are put in place to isolate or minimise the risk of injury or illnessSafe work practices are maintained, and health and safety policy and procedures are complied withAll accidents and incidents are immediately reported as required and entered into Safe365Plan and implement safe use of chemicals and substances.SOP's are created and Safety Data Sheets are followed.All documentation is fully completed accurately, legibly and on time.Accurate paperwork and records are in place and maintained.Costs and performance of orchard expenditure is monitored and managed to work within an operational budget.Forecast versus actual results are analysed with any recommendations in order to improve the commercial performance, and minimise riskRecovery plans are in place where there are variances of concern from forecast resultsCapital expenditure plans and requests are supported by robust business casesAll operating costs are monitored to ensure crops are supplied at optimum costPreferred supplier arrangements are in place and represent value for money for the supply of chemicals, plant and equipment and other items requiredHaumako values, policies and practicesThe Haumako o Te Wairoa strategic pou - Mana Maori, Tangata, Taiao and Te Pataka is integrated and implemented across services being providedHaumako's business policies and practices including the Code of Conduct, procurement guidelines, and HR and Health and Safety policies are followedEmployment obligations under the health and safety legislation are metOther responsibilitiesOther duties are performed as required in accordance with operational requirementsFlexibility and willingness to perform a variety of tasks is demonstratedStandards and procedures are adhered to at all timesPerson specificationSkills, Experience & Knowledge RequiredProven orchard management experience of 3 years (minimum) across all aspects of orchard operationsProven leadership capability at a senior levelProven ability to plan & coordinate complex operationsNumerical and analytical skillsComputer and IT literate & competent with Microsoft applications – Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPointExperience of using HR and health and safety systems is highly desirableSound judgement and problem-solving skills with a pragmatic approach to generating solutionsStrong relationship building, influencing and interpersonal skillsExcellent written and oral communication skills.Problem solving skills and the ability to react quickly to changing circumstances.Knowledge of, or the ability to quickly learn, public sector funding processes.Ideally knowledge of and/or experience in Maori agri-business.Full and valid NZ Drivers' licensePersonal AttributesStrong strategic focus and foresightStrong results orientation with tenacity to achieve results in a demanding environmentAbility to partner with, positively influence and lead othersAnalytical thinkerExcellent time management, planning and organising abilityAbility to work autonomously, under pressure and to deadlinesHigh level of personal confidenceFlexible and adaptableStrong drive to achieve results and accept accountability for delivering resultsWillingness to undertake regular travelWillingness to work flexible and extended hours when requiredYour application will include the following questions: Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in New Zealand?How many years' experience do you have as a Sector Manager?How many years of project management experience do you have?How many years of people management experience do you have?Do you have a current New Zealand driver's licence?Which of the following Microsoft Office products are you experienced with?What's your expected annual base salary?How much notice are you required to give your current employer?Report this job advert Don't provide your bank or credit card details when applying for 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