Operations Manager

Local business is looking for an Operations Manager to join our team. During the main harvest and packing season we run both day and night shifts, and staff are rostered up to 6 days per week. As a key member in our team, you will need to have experience managing a large team of diverse people and be able to work unsupervised. You will need to be able to think on your feet and adapt in a changing environment. Excellent communication skills are essential, and you must be quick thinking to successfully manage change to meet required targets. Attention to detail and accuracy are vital to ensure our high standard is maintained. Duties include but are not limited to • Ensure the health and safety of staff at all times • Management of the production teams • Maintaining machinery and equipment -checking & repairing faults and undertaking regular maintenance. • Accuracy with pack-runs and pack types according to packing plans and managing grower,packaging,variety changes • Timely and accurate recording of faults and the actions taken to repair faults • Determining daily labour requirements and sourcing of staff with the HR Receptionist • Monitoring supply of consumables - pallets, packaging, labels, strapping etc to ensure no delays with production pack plan • Ensure APAC meets operational targets of production and supply within budget • Facilitate the integrated functioning of Packhouse, cool store, quality and laboratory functions • Knowledge of BRC and SEDEX compliance requirements • Increase efficiency throughout the supply chain from packing, storing and supplying fruit to vessel.

Skills & Qualifications:

• At least 3 years’ experience in a similar role involving staff management, inventory and packaging management e.g. Operations Manager,Supervisor, Production Programme Supervisor • Experience within the kiwifruit industry with a solid understanding of the quality requirements of Zespri • NZQF qualifications in Horticulture Production - Post Harvest – minimum Level 4 • Understanding of operational costs,budgets,financials - Diploma in Business preferred • Sound knowledge of EDI,inventory processes • Sound knowledge of FreshCool and FreshPack software • Proven mechanical skills within a Packhouse environment • Strong communication skills – both verbal and written • Competency with Microsoft Office -preferably Excel intermediate level • Fluency in other languages would be an advantage e.g. Hindi, Samoan, Tongan etc