IT Systems Engineer

Strengthen technology and systems across a diverse, growing Group, and shape how we use cloud platforms, automation and AI to work smarter.

We are looking for an experienced IT Systems Engineer to join our team in Patumahoe. This hands-on role will combine responsibility for our core technology environment with the delivery of practical systems, cloud and automation projects across the Punchbowl Group.

What you'll be doing

Working across agreed Group priorities, you will help keep our core technology environment stable, secure and available while delivering a varied programme of systems and technology projects.

You will work alongside an internal team member who assists with day-to-day IT support, providing technical guidance and escalation support where needed.

AI and automation are an important part of where Punchbowl is heading. Alongside teams across our businesses, you will identify practical opportunities, establish appropriate controls and help develop tools, integrations and automations that improve productivity, information and decision-making.

• Manage the Microsoft 365 environment, including identity, access and security groups
• Oversee Group infrastructure, networking and IT security while supporting the transition from on-premise servers to a cloud-based environment
• Support core business systems, including MYOB Greentree, Xero, Radfords applications and Ricado
• Oversee the Group's devices, hardware and communication environment, including standards, recommendations and more complex technical requirements
• Coordinate IT support across the Group and provide technical guidance and escalation support where required
• Manage our external IT provider, including priorities, escalations and specialist project input
• Plan and deliver technology projects aligned with agreed Group priorities
• Work with teams to identify practical opportunities to improve systems, automate manual work and provide better information
• Establish appropriate security, privacy and governance controls for AI tools, connectors and integrations
• Build, configure and maintain internal tools, business applications, integrations and automations, using AI development tools where appropriate

About you

You are an experienced, practical technology professional who enjoys seeing work through. You are self-managing, calm under pressure and approachable when supporting others. You are also curious about technology, AI and better ways of working.

You will bring:

• Several years' experience in a hands-on technology, IT or systems role, ideally as a senior or sole-charge professional within a small to medium-sized business
• Strong Microsoft 365, identity, access management and security experience
• Practical server, infrastructure and networking capability
• Experience with cloud platforms and moving systems from on-premise to cloud-based environments
• The ability to connect and integrate different business systems
• Clear communication skills and the ability to explain technology to non-technical people
• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent practical experience
• A current driver licence

Experience in any of the following would be an advantage:

• Using AI development tools, such as Claude Code, to build, automate or maintain business applications and information systems
• Integrating software platforms, data sources, ERP or other operational business systems
• Supporting technology across a multi-entity Group or a business undergoing significant technology change
• Working within food production, horticulture, manufacturing, distribution or logistics

About Punchbowl

Punchbowl is a diverse and growing New Zealand-owned Group with businesses across kiwifruit growing and packing, packaging manufacturing, industrial automation and investment.

●   Punchbowl PackCo, providing kiwifruit orchard management, harvesting, packing and coolstore services

●   Punchbowl Packaging, developing and manufacturing sustainable packaging solutions

●   Punchbowl Automation, designing and building automation systems and machinery for horticulture and other industries

●   Punchbowl Investments, supporting the Group's investment activities

While each business has its own operational focus, we work together as one wider team, sharing knowledge, resources and expertise. Our shared aim of Growing Greatness and our values of being People Focused, Energetic and Innovative guide how we work.

This position will be employed by Punchbowl PackCo Limited and will support the wider Punchbowl Group.

Why join us?

●   A broad role with exposure across multiple businesses and industries

●   The opportunity to help shape how Punchbowl uses technology, automation and AI

●   A strong pipeline of cloud, systems, integration and automation projects

●   Support from internal resources and specialist external providers

●   A laptop and mobile phone

The role is primarily office-based, with occasional travel to other Punchbowl sites, including Tauranga and Northland. Some flexibility will be required to support planned system changes or significant operational issues outside standard hours.

Ready to take the next step?

Apply with your CV and a short cover letter outlining the experience you would bring to the role.