Operations Manager - Vineyards – Leader Brand. Rural Directions. Location Gisborne, Gisborne. Job type Full time. Duration Permanent. Play a key role across the day-to-day vineyard machinery operations. Attractive remuneration including vehicle, incentives and other recognitions. Invest in yourself by growing & leveraging your career from an excellent network.

WHERE Leader Brand is one of New Zealand's most recognised and diverse horticultural businesses. Founded by Murray McPhail in 1975 and built on a pioneering spirit of Kiwi 'can do', LeaderBrand is now a second generation, 100% family-owned and operated vertically integrated farming business. Over the last fifty years LeaderBrand has grown into a leading national provider of fresh vegetables and is also a significant player in the wine industry.

As a fully integrated business LeaderBrand prides itself on being one of the most innovative and well-resourced horticultural business in New Zealand, developing the latest technology and practices alongside best in class people, land and machinery to shape the future of food. They are constantly looking for new ways to improve and do business, from investing in new technology to sustainable practices, food trends and giving back to their local community.

WHAT LeaderBrand has been at the forefront of the wine industry in Gisborne since the 1980's and has grown to become the largest vineyard in Gisborne.  The vineyard covers 350ha and harvests over 5,500 ton of Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer.

As the Operations Manager - Gisborne Vineyard, you will be responsible for the management and execution of machinery operations for all LeaderBrand vineyards. Reporting to the Viticulture Manager the role will lead the Gisborne Vineyard Machinery Operations Team. The Growing Operations Manager and R&D Manager sit alongside this role in the businesses organisational structure.

The appointee will play a key role across the day-to-day vineyard machinery operations. Your key responsibilities will be in Operations, Leadership and Management, Staff and Culture, Financial Management, Health and Safety, Stakeholder Management and additional duties within your capability to be determined.

With the role and the vineyard located right on the fringes of town, access is convenient with a short commute to work each day. If you are not already a local, take a serious look at joining the flow of people heading to Gisborne who have recognised the great work opportunities and lifestyle on offer. 

To read more about the position and key responsibilities please visit - https://bit.ly/42odA5q

WHO The Operations Manager will ideally have transferrable skills from a similar role and come with a genuine interest in being part of the viticulture leadership team along with the following:

Minimum of five years' experience as a grower or a horticulture sector professional with a blend of management experience or operations management experience.

Strong mechanical aptitude.

Capable of providing input into the Strategic and Business Plans. Implement and execute plans accurately with expected results. People leadership qualities and ability to work collaboratively. Have a 'boots on the ground' approach in a hands-on role. Organised, and self-motivated with the ability to plan ahead and pivot. Willingness to learn and a continuous improvement mindset. Friendly and professional with excellent communication skills. Honesty and integrity, and the ability to practice discretion. Technological proficiency. Good knowledge of Health and Safety.

WHY LeaderBrand value their employees and offer a supportive, friendly, and secure work environment. A very attractive remuneration package commensurate with experience and the importance of this role including vehicle (4x4 Hilux), phone and all other tools required to do the role.

Training, support, exposure and plenty of growth internally within LeaderBrand and externally in the wider industry - invest in yourself by growing and leveraging your career from this incredible network.

Awesome teammates with a positive team culture deeply ingrained in the business. Employment with a highly successful and well-resourced business. For the right people LeaderBrand are open to creative ways to engage, grow and incentivise them.

NOTE: Never make payment to any employer, person, company, contractor or agency to get hired for a Job.

For a confidential chat give the Rural Directions team a call on 068710450