Assistant Orchard Manager

Assistant Orchard Manager

North East Full-Time 28800 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Assist in managing orchard operations and support the team with daily tasks.
  • Company: Join Whitehall Fruitpackers, a leading horticultural company focused on sustainable kiwifruit production.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative work environment with opportunities for growth and development.
  • Why this job: Perfect for those passionate about horticulture and eager to make an impact in a dynamic team.
  • Qualifications: 3 years of horticultural experience, preferably in kiwifruit, and a valid NZ driver's licence.
  • Other info: Reach out via email for any questions; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ per year.

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Whitehall Fruitpackers is a progressive horticultural company based in the Waikato. While our main focus is on our 270+ canopy hectares of green and gold kiwifruit (with a strong focus on organics), we are involved in a diverse range of primary production including dairy farming, dry stock, apiaries, and forestry.

We are currently seeking a proactive and motivated individual to join our team as an Assistant Orchard Manager. This role is ideal for someone with at least 3 years’ horticultural experience—particularly in kiwifruit—who is eager to take the next step in their career while supporting our orchard leadership team.

Your responsibilities will include but are not limited to (and open to discussion): June – March:

• Supporting the Orchard Manager in Orchard operations including production and seasonal tasks

• Assisting with the supervision of orchard workers and contractors to meet growing requirements

• Helping with planning and executing all orchard activities from vine planting and training

• Contributing to the training and quality assurance of orchard teams

• Collaborating on weekly work plans and priorities

• Promoting and ensuring adherence to health and safety practices

March – June:

• Participating in harvest operations and liaising with the Harvest manager.

• Planning and executing orchard activities as required by Orchard Manager

• Supporting health and food safety compliance

To be considered, you will need to demonstrate:

• Practical experience across kiwifruit growing and orchard operations

• The ability to work effectively within a multicultural team and communicate positively

• Strong organizational skills, initiative, and a collaborative mindset

• A “can-do” attitude and team-focused approach

• Tertiary education in horticulture or a related field is preferred but not essential

• A valid New Zealand driver’s license

• Legal right to work in New Zealand

Have questions? Reach out via email at: [emailprotected] with the subject line: Assistant Orchard Manager. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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Your application will include the following questions:

    Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in New Zealand? How many years\’ experience do you have as an Orchard Manager? Do you have a current New Zealand driver\’s licence? Have you worked in a role which requires a sound understanding of OH&S/WHS? What\’s your expected annual base salary?

To help fast track investigation, please include here any other relevant details that prompted you to report this job ad as fraudulent / misleading / discriminatory.

Researching careers? Find all the information and tips you need on career advice.

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Assistant Orchard Manager employer: Whitehall Fruitpackers

Whitehall Fruitpackers is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development within a vibrant work culture. Located in the beautiful Waikato region, we offer a unique opportunity to work with a diverse range of primary production while focusing on sustainable practices in kiwifruit cultivation. Our team-oriented environment encourages collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for those looking to advance their horticultural careers.
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Contact Detail:

Whitehall Fruitpackers Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Orchard Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific practices and challenges of kiwifruit growing. Understanding the nuances of this crop will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the horticultural industry, especially those involved in kiwifruit production. Attend local agricultural events or join online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the company culture at Whitehall Fruitpackers.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your previous experience in managing teams and projects. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully led a team or improved orchard operations, as this will be crucial for the Assistant Orchard Manager role.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your understanding of health and safety regulations relevant to horticulture. Being able to articulate how you would promote and ensure adherence to these practices will set you apart from other candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Orchard Manager

Horticultural Knowledge
Kiwifruit Cultivation
Orchard Management
Team Leadership
Health and Safety Compliance
Organisational Skills
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Planning and Execution
Training and Development
Multicultural Team Collaboration
Adaptability
Initiative
Valid New Zealand Driver's Licence

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Assistant Orchard Manager position. Familiarise yourself with the specific tasks mentioned in the job description, such as supporting orchard operations and participating in harvest activities.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant horticultural experience, particularly in kiwifruit growing. Emphasise your organisational skills, teamwork, and any leadership roles you've held, as these are crucial for the role.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for horticulture and your proactive attitude. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to work within a multicultural team and your commitment to health and safety practices.

Prepare for Application Questions: Be ready to answer the application questions thoughtfully. Reflect on your right to work in New Zealand, your years of experience, and your understanding of OH&S/WHS. Providing clear and concise answers will help you stand out.

How to prepare for a job interview at Whitehall Fruitpackers

✨Know Your Kiwifruit

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of kiwifruit cultivation and orchard management. Be prepared to discuss specific techniques and practices you've used in your previous roles, as this will show your expertise and passion for the industry.

✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills

Since the role involves working within a multicultural team, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in the past. Highlight your communication skills and any experiences that showcase your ability to work effectively in diverse environments.

✨Show Initiative and Problem-Solving

Employers love candidates who can think on their feet. Prepare to discuss situations where you've taken the initiative or solved problems in the orchard. This could include anything from improving processes to handling unexpected challenges during harvest.

✨Health and Safety Awareness

Given the emphasis on health and safety practices, be ready to talk about your understanding of OH&S/WHS regulations. Share any relevant experiences where you ensured compliance and promoted a safe working environment for your team.

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