Operations Manager

Prospa, EastPack’s Orchard Management division, is one of New Zealand’s largest orchard management businesses, managing approximately 1,350 hectares of kiwifruit for more than 300 growers across eight regions. With more than 80 permanent employees, around 150 seasonal workers and approximately 30 Orchard Managers, Prospa is a large and complex operation with plenty of scope to make a real impact.
  
We’re excited to now be partnering with Prospa on the recruitment of their new Operations Manager. Working closely with the General Manager and Senior Leadership Team, this is a key role responsible for bringing people, planning, systems and performance together to ensure the business runs effectively and continues to improve.
  
About the Role:
  
As Operations Manager, you’ll take ownership of the operational activity that sits across the business, working closely with Area Managers, Orchard Managers, growers, contractors and internal teams to make sure plans are aligned and delivered.
  
A big part of the role will be managing Prospa’s seasonal workforce and harvest operations, ensuring the right people and resources are in place and that operations are delivered efficiently and profitably. You’ll also be responsible for:

• Taking end-to-end ownership of Prospa's RSE workforce planning, deployment, performance and profitability.
• Leading integrated harvest planning and execution to deliver quality, efficiency and strong financial outcomes.
• Driving supplier and contractor performance, commercial negotiations, procurement and seasonal logistics.
• Owning operational data quality, reporting and insights for growers, managers and business leaders.
• Supporting Area Managers and Orchard Managers through streamlined processes, information and practical operational solutions.
• Managing the Data Collection Team Leader and Contract Orchard Managers against agreed KPIs and deliverables.
• Leading strategic projects and continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen Prospa's performance year after year.

About You:
 
We’re looking for an experienced operational leader who is highly organised, commercially minded and good at bringing people together. You’ll be someone who takes ownership, enjoys solving problems and is comfortable managing a wide range of priorities. 

We are looking for a highly capable and experienced operational leader who takes ownership of outcomes, builds strong relationships and gets complex work delivered. The ideal candidate will have:

• Proven senior operational leadership experience within a complex, multi-team or multi-site business.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen with a track record of improving efficiency, profitability and value.
• Excellent relationship management skills and the ability to influence through credibility, collaboration and sound judgement.
• Strong data analysis and reporting capability with a focus on accurate inputs, valuable insights and practical action.
• Proven strategic project delivery and the ability to take ownership without close supervision or micromanagement.
• A high-drive, approachable leadership style that brings people together and represents Prospa exceptionally well.
• Relevant horticulture or agriculture experience is preferred, although exceptional operational leaders from related industries will be considered.
• A full, clean New Zealand driver's licence and flexibility to travel and work variable hours during peak seasonal periods.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, responsibility and making a tangible difference. You’ll have genuine influence across the business and the opportunity to work closely with a strong leadership team as Prospa continues to grow and improve.
  
Apply now with a cover letter and CV or contact Liz Kennedy at Ryan + Alexander for a confidential conversation.