Operations Manager

Operations Manager

Wesco Seeds Limited

Drive Growth, Improve Systems & Lead Change

Location: Cust, Rangiora, North Canterbury
Full Time

About Wesco Seeds

Wesco Seeds is a proudly New Zealand-owned family business with a long history in the seed industry. Over recent years the business has experienced strong growth and is continuing to invest in people, systems, technology and operational capability to support future success.

As part of this growth, we are creating a new Operations Manager role to provide leadership across our production, processing, warehousing and dispatch functions. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys improving the way a business operates and likes turning ideas into practical results.

The Opportunity

This is a hands-on leadership role of a small team. You will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of our seed cleaning, treatment, mixing, bagging, warehousing and dispatch functions. Reporting to the General Manager, you will create structure and accountability across the operation while leading improvements in production planning, inventory management, systems, processes and team performance.

 A key focus of the role will be ensuring the business is positioned for continued growth through better planning, improved workflows, smarter use of technology and implementation of continuous improvement practices.

 You will become the central point of coordination for operations and help ensure the right product is available at the right time, in the right place, and delivered efficiently to customers within agreed timeframes and meeting KPIs.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Production Planning & Operational Leadership

• Develop and manage production plans to meet customer demand
• Purchase seed, chemicals and treatments
• Coordinate labour, machinery, stock and freight requirements
• Ensure seasonal workload is planned and managed effectively
• Maintain equipment in good working order
• Monitor workflow and capacity across all operational areas
• Improve production scheduling and resource utilisation.

Continuous Improvement & Change Management

• Review and analyse current operational processes and identify opportunities for improvement
• Lead initiatives that reduce waste, duplication, delays and errors
• Implement practical systems and processes that improve productivity
• Establish performance measures and reporting to support decision making
• Drive a culture of accountability, efficiency and continuous improvement.

Systems & Technology Implementation

• Lead the ongoing upgrade and optimisation of the Tall Emu ERP/CRM system
• Improve inventory visibility, production planning and operational reporting through technology
• Work closely with staff to implement new processes and embed system improvements
• Ensure the business gains maximum benefit from its investment in technology.

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach and develop small team of operational staff
• Plan workforce requirements through seasonal peaks
• Recruit and coordinate temporary staff when required
• Create a positive, engaged and high-performing team environment.

Inventory, Warehousing & Logistics

• Oversee stock management and inventory accuracy
• Manage incoming and outgoing freight, dispatch and supplier coordination by meeting agreed KPIs
• Ensure operational activities are completed accurately and on time
• Improve warehouse flow and product traceability.

Health & Safety

• Manage, lead and champion health and safety
• Promote a strong health and safety culture
• Ensure safe work practices and regulatory compliance
• Lead investigations and continuous improvement activities.

About You

To be successful you will bring:

• Proven operational leadership experience
• Strong production planning and scheduling capability
• Experience implementing process improvement initiatives
• Experience leading change and introducing new systems
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• The ability to identify inefficiencies and turn them into improvements
• Experience using ERP, inventory or CRM systems
• A hands-on approach and willingness to work alongside the team
• Good mechanical aptitude
• Strong communication and leadership skills.

Experience in agriculture, seed processing, manufacturing, logistics, food processing, warehousing or a related industry would be highly regarded.

Why Join Wesco?

• Opportunity to build and shape a newly created leadership role
• Lead meaningful operational improvements
• Play a key role in implementing new technology and systems
• Join a growing New Zealand business with ambitious plans for the future
• Have a direct influence on productivity, customer service and business performance
• Competitive salary package.

Interested?

If you enjoy creating structure, improving systems, analysing workflows and leading operational change, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply with your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and achievements in operations, production planning and continuous improvement. We will be moving through the selection process as we go so do not delay your application!