Senior Administration Assistant
Wai-West Horticulture is a multi-orchard horticulture business operating across apples, berries and kiwifruit. We are entering a high-intensity operational phase and are looking for a capable Administration Assistant to support finance, people, and orchard operations.
This role is critical. It supports the backbone of the business: accurate administration, disciplined systems, and reliable follow-through in a real-world production environment.
The Role:This is a hands-on, office-based role supporting the Finance & People function and wider management team. It suits someone who is organised, grounded, and comfortable working in a fast-moving, seasonal business where priorities can shift at short notice and systems are continuously evolving.
Key responsibilities include: Administration & Office Support
*• Daily office administration and coordination*• Document control, filing systems, and data management
*• Meeting coordination, agendas, and minutes
*• Supporting management with reports, correspondence, and internal communications
*• Responding to changing priorities and operational needs as they arise
*• Actively contributing to the improvement of office systems, workflows, and processes
Finance Support
*• Assisting with invoicing, purchase orders, and supplier administration
*• Data entry and support within Xero and related systems
*• Expense processing, coding, and reconciliation support
*• Maintaining accurate records and audit trails
People & Operations Support
*• Onboarding administration and employment documentation
*• Payroll processing and payroll system management
*• Liaison with orchard managers and seasonal teams
*• Supporting compliance documentation and internal processes
*• Supporting our seasonal workforce and their pastoral care
What We’re Looking For
This is not an entry-level “reception” role. We need someone who can hold structure without becoming rigid.
You will likely bring: *• Proven experience in administration or office support (finance or HR exposure preferred)
*• Experience running payroll accurately and confidentially*• High attention to detail and strong follow-through
*• Confidence using business systems (Xero experience strongly valued)
*• Comfort working in environments where processes are tested, refined, and sometimes rebuilt
*• The ability to manage interruptions, shifting deadlines, and incomplete information without becoming flustered
*• A practical, solutions-focused mindset rather than a need for perfection upfront
*• Strong written and verbal communication
*• Personal maturity, discretion, and professional boundaries
What Success Looks Like
Within 3–6 months you will: *• Be running day-to-day administration with minimal supervision
*• Be trusted with financial and people-related processes including payroll*• Be handling changing priorities calmly and constructively
*• Be actively contributing to process improvement, not just maintaining tasks
*• Have improved the reliability, clarity, and effectiveness of our internal admin systems
Why This Role
*• Diverse, real-world business exposure across finance, people, and operations
*• A role that genuinely matters to how the business functions
*• Stable, year-round employment in a growing horticulture group
*• Opportunity to grow into more senior administration, finance support, or people-and-culture pathways
Applications
Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and why this role fits you.