Outdoors Operation Manager

JS Ewers Limited is a leading supplier of fresh produce in New Zealand. We have built our reputation on growing and selling premium quality produce throughout New Zealand for the past 45+ years. 

At JS Ewers, we ensure our crop's journey from seed to customer follows a sustainable path and each step is given the nurturing attention it deserves. We use specific growing techniques to protect our fresh produce, to extend our growing season and produce the best quality possible. 

JS Ewers operates one of the most sophisticated growing operations in the country, with 13 hectares of glasshouse, 250 hectares of outdoor land, and a five-hectare undercover berryfruit operation, producing fresh produce 365 days of the year.

THE ROLE

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Outdoor Operations Manager to manage all aspects associated with establishing and growing our outdoor melon and vegetable crops. We are looking for someone who is committed to their crop with the highest standards of growing being front of mind.  This includes:

• Provide leadership and people development to our dedicated team including support staff, assistant growers, maintenance and plant work functions that fosters high performance and productivity.
• Implement the best growing practice to ensure ongoing plant health.
• Manage the crop cycle to ensure maximum production and yields.
• Ensure that the quality of our crops surpasses our customers’ expectations.
• Ensure we remain financially sustainable through the review, monitoring and reporting of crop profitability.
• Ensure quality of products is maintained by monitoring all compliance specifications, rules, regulations and procedures.
• Provide and maintain safe plant and systems of work,  ensuring all Health & Safety obligations and reporting requirements are met.
• Effectively manage stock on hand, hire equipment and plant deliveries.
• Identify pests and diseases and implement the required actions for effective control. 
• Manage the crop irrigation and nutrient programmes to ensure the delivery of the best quality and yield outcomes.

THE SKILLS

• Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills as you will be working with a diverse group of people and the ability to build strong relationships with the wider JS Ewers team.
• Proven and demonstrated experience and success in growing outdoor crops at a similarly large growing operation.
• Intermediate level computer competency, especially with Microsoft office products. 
• Ability to follow, design and implement effective systems and processes.
• Solution orientated, team player and an effective problem solver.
• Excellent time management skills, particularly in managing competing demands and deadlines.
• Very high attention to detail.
• Ability to work both autonomously and as an active team member.
• High level of proven effective written and oral communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships with the wider JS Ewers team.

The remuneration is negotiable based on the right candidate package includes a base salary, bonus and work vehicle.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply by clicking on the 'apply now' button and sending through your current C.V. and Cover Letter.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Ben Bartlett (MG HR Advisor) on 022 017 7085

Applications for the role will close on Friday the 28th of June.