Orchard Manager - Dargaville
Ready to lead from the ground up? We're looking for a hands-on Orchard Manager to take full ownership of orchard operations—delivering high-quality results, strong team performance, and sustainable orchard outcomes.
Seeka is New Zealand's largest kiwifruit producer and a leading provider of supply chain services across New Zealand and Australia. With over 35 years of innovation and excellence, we proudly supply premium produce to a growing global market.
We're now looking for an Orchard Manager to join our passionate team in Kerikeri.
What You'll Be Doing
As an Orchard Manager, you'll be responsible for the day-to-day and long-term performance of a portfolio of orchards—leading orchard teams and contractors to meet quality, yield, and operational targets. You'll coordinate orchard activities throughout the season, oversee budgets and cost control, and ensure all work is completed safely, efficiently, and to industry-leading standards.You'll also play a key role in developing people, supporting cadets and trainee managers, and continuously improving orchard practices.
Key Responsibilities- Manage all aspects of orchard operations including pruning, spraying, irrigation, orchard development, and harvesting.
- Lead and coordinate seasonal work programmes to ensure quality and compliance.
- Monitor plant health, orchard conditions, and crop performance—taking proactive steps to optimise outcomes.
- Maintain accurate budgets and manage orchard costs and reporting.
- Ensure a strong culture of health, safety, and environmental responsibility.
- Communicate regularly with growers, CRM's, and Regional Managers.
- Manage contractor pricing, relationships, and performance.
- Support the development of orchard cadets and trainee managers.
- 2+ years of leadership experience in horticulture (kiwifruit or similar).
- Advanced understanding of orchard husbandry and seasonal planning.
- Recognised horticultural qualification (e.g., Diploma in Fruit Production).
- Experience managing budgets, labour, and orchard inputs.
- Competency in Microsoft Office and data/reporting tools.
- Solid understanding of health and safety requirements in an outdoor/agricultural setting.
- Licences and certifications such as forklift, First Aid, FarmSafe, Global G.A.P (preferred but not essential).
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- High level of organisation, planning, and problem-solving.
- Adaptable, resilient, and able to work under pressure.
- Passionate about quality, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- A team player who supports and uplifts those around them.
Employee Benefits
We offer comprehensive Life and Trauma insurance, along with Medical insurance through Southern Cross Wellbeing 2, to support your health and wellbeing.
Apply Now
Ready to contribute your skills and grow with New Zealand's leading kiwifruit producer? Apply today and make a real impact in our orchard operations.
Applicants must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.