Harvest Manager

Lead safe, productive and sustainable harvesting operations in one of New Zealand’s most significant forestry environments.

We are looking for an experienced Harvest Manager to lead and manage contractor harvesting operations on behalf of the forest owner. This is a hands-on role with a strong field presence, responsible for ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently and sustainably while meeting production, environmental and commercial expectations.

About the role

• Provide visible leadership across health, safety, wellbeing and environmental performance.
• Lead contractor relationships, performance reviews, coaching and capability development.
• Plan harvesting operations, assess operational risks and monitor productivity, quality and delivery.
• Undertake site visits, audits, critical control verifications, safety conversations and incident reviews.
• Monitor budgets, costs, contract performance, rates and invoices.
• Use performance and safety data to identify trends, manage risk and support sound operational decisions.
• Contribute to continuous improvement, cross-functional initiatives and wider business projects.

About you

You will bring at least five years of experience in forestry harvesting, contractor management or a comparable operational leadership role. You will be confident working with contractors and frontline crews, balancing strong relationships with clear accountability for safety, quality, production and environmental standards.

• A strong understanding of New Zealand health and safety legislation, operational risk management and environmental compliance.
• Demonstrated experience managing contracts, contractors and operational performance.
• Sound knowledge of harvest planning and forestry operations.
• The confidence to coach, challenge and hold others to agreed standards through a partnership approach.
• Strong digital literacy and the ability to interpret operational and safety data.
• A practical, proactive and accountable leadership style.

A forestry or operations management qualification is preferred, as is experience in large or multi-site operations, mechanised or cable harvesting, GIS applications, risk management systems or incident investigations.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to safe, high-performing and sustainable forestry operations. You will work alongside experienced people across the business and help strengthen contractor capability, operational performance and long-term outcomes for the forest and its communities.

If you are an experienced harvesting leader who brings sound judgement, strong relationships and a commitment to continuous improvement, we would welcome your application.