Orchard Sector Manager

Great orchards don't happen by chance. They come from good decisions, strong relationships and people who know how to bring a plan to life….. starting with a Ceed!

Ceed Limited is part of the Monarch Platform, a group of purpose-driven businesses supporting New Zealand's horticulture and viticulture sectors through expertise, innovation and great people. Together, we're building stronger businesses, creating opportunities for our teams, and helping growers succeed across the long term.

As an Orchard Sector Manager, you'll play a key role in that future. You'll lead a portfolio of orchards, build trusted relationships with growers, develop high-performing teams, and make the operational decisions that drive quality, productivity and sustainable performance season after season.

This is an opportunity for an experienced horticultural leader who enjoys balancing people, operations and strong commercial outcomes, and who takes pride in doing things properly, understands that every season presents new challenges, and knows that the best results come from consistency, planning and great teamwork.

About the role

Reporting to the Ceed Operations Manager, you'll lead a portfolio of orchards across Hawke's Bay and work alongside a team of experienced Orchard Sector Managers, to deliver consistently high standards across the business. You'll play an important role in shaping operational performance, sharing knowledge across the wider orchard management team, and contributing to the continued growth of Ceed.

This is a leadership role with broad operational and commercial responsibility. You'll be accountable for the performance of your orchards, leading seasonal programmes, developing your people, managing grower relationships, overseeing budgets, and ensuring every decision supports quality outcomes, operational efficiency and long-term profitability. You'll combine practical horticultural expertise with sound business judgement, balancing productivity, cost, compliance and client expectations while helping drive continuous improvement across the business.

You'll spend your days in the orchard working alongside growers and your team, building trusted relationships, solving problems, and making informed decisions that deliver exceptional results.

Success in this role comes from:

• Leading a capable, engaged team that consistently delivers high-quality outcomes.
• Executing seasonal orchard programmes safely, efficiently and on time.
• Balancing quality, productivity and cost to achieve strong commercial performance.
• Building lasting partnerships with growers through clear communication, trust and reliable delivery.
• Maintaining the highest standards of health, safety, compliance and environmental stewardship.
• Using data, technology and practical insight to improve performance and support better decision-making.
• Working collaboratively across Ceed and the wider Monarch Platform to share expertise and deliver the best outcomes for growers.

About You

You're an experienced orchard leader who understands that successful orchard management is about the trifecta: people, performance and commercial outcomes. You know how to lead teams, build trusted grower relationships and make sound decisions that deliver on value.

You'll bring:

• Proven leadership experience in orchard management with the success of having built high-performing teams.
• Strong commercial acumen, with experience managing budgets, driving productivity and delivering profitable outcomes.
• A thorough understanding of apple production, seasonal planning and orchard management best practice. You know what’s happening in the industry and when to pivot in response.
• Sound knowledge of NZGAP, Global G.A.P, health and safety, and compliance requirements.
• Confidence using data and technology to support planning, reporting and operational decisions.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to build strong relationships with growers, colleagues and industry partners.
• Relevant horticultural qualifications, a Full Driver Licence and Growsafe certification.

You're someone who takes ownership, follows through on commitments and leads by example. Backed by a senior leadership team, you care about developing your people, continuously improving the way you work, and delivering results that growers can rely on season after season.

Why Ceed?

We're quietly ambitious. We believe the best orchard management comes from combining experienced people with innovative thinking and a drive to see the best results possible.

If you're looking for more than just another orchard management role—one where you'll build strong relationships, contribute to continuous improvement and be part of a business that's growing with purpose—we'd love to hear from you, you’ll fit right in!

Apply today your CV & Cover letter outlining your suitability, and help support the next chapter of Ceed’s growth.

Please note: No visa sponsorship will be offered. Only applicants with existing New Zealand employment rights will be considered. Pre-employment checks include Ministry of Justice and drug & alcohol screening.