Pukekohe Auckland, Full time

THE GROWER — Join Us as We Grow

Our business is growing fast, and we need a Grower to match our ambition. This is a brand-new role created because our high tech glasshouse operation is scaling up. If you live for the challenge of hitting peak crop performance, thrive on the buzz of a fast-paced growing environment, and want to lead a dynamic team, this is your shot.

As The Grower, you’ll be a key leader in our glasshouse operation — a driving force behind crop performance at your site, reporting into the Head of Operations. You’ll lead your own glasshouse team and own the outcome: a facility running at peak efficiency, delivering industry-leading yields sustainably, day in and day out.

If you want to be part of a community, take pride in consistency, chase team performance like it’s a personal mission, and want to be part of something bigger than a job, this opportunity is for you.

If you’re ready to lead, grow, and make your mark — we want to hear from you.

What We Care About Most

• The Right Attitude— You’re proactive, resilient, and take absolute pride in delivering high-quality yields.
• People Leadership— You know how to motivate a glasshouse team, keep the pace up, and maintain high standards on the floor.
• A “Get-It-Done” Mentality— You’re hands-on, quick to solve problems on the fly, and ready to take ownership of the crop’s success.

Don’t tick every single technical box? No problem. If you bring the leadership skills and the right work ethic, our Head of Operations will personally mentor you through the advanced climate and fertigation systems. We hire the right person with the right drive — the technical systems can be taught.

If you’re looking for a long-term home with genuine career progression and a collaborative workplace culture, we want to hear from you.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Labour Management & Team Leadership

• Directly supervise and motivate the glasshouse team to ensure all crop work, clipping, dropping, de-leafing, pruning and harvesting is completed to the highest standard and at the required pace.
• Train staff in precise crop techniques; monitor team output and address performance issues promptly and constructively.
• Foster a team-first culture that maintains high standards while supporting staff development and wellbeing.
• Ensure the labour management system and software are used correctly and maintained.

Crop Health & Protection

• Implement and execute crop protection programmes, coordinating scheduling around workflow and health & safety requirements.
• Proactively identify and report early signs of pest or disease outbreaks.
• Maintain a clean growing environment; oversee rodent control across the glasshouse and packhouse in compliance with GAP requirements.

Crop Change & Glasshouse cleanout 

• Manage the team, equipment and materials to minimise the window where the glasshouse is unproductive.
• Lead the flow of vine removal and pot replacement to minimise bottlenecks during crop transitions.
• Coordinate full facility sterilisation including high-pressure washdowns, disinfection and irrigation line flushing.
• Supervise replanting operations, ensuring precise plant, string and dripper alignment from day one.

Production & Yield Optimisation

• With guidance from the Head of Operations, monitor the climate computer daily; verify settings are within guidelines and adjust temperature, venting, heating and humidity setpoints as directed.
• Oversee fertigation – monitor EC/pH levels and irrigation strategy; maintain fertiliser stock and storage tanks.
• Maintain accurate crop registrations and trial data to support reliable yield forecasting and data-driven production planning.
• Communicate crop observations, concerns and opportunities clearly and regularly to the Head of Operations.

Operations & Maintenance

• Conduct mandatory on-site checks (morning and afternoon) on rostered Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays to verify system stability and crop health.
• Act as primary responder to climate and technical alarms, taking swift action to prevent crop loss.
• Ensure all technical equipment – sensors, valves, sprayers and irrigation infrastructure are functional and serviced in line with annual maintenance schedules.
• Diagnose and repair equipment faults; escalate unresolvable issues quickly and clearly.
• Enforce Health & Safety protocols across the glasshouse operation at all times.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Essential Experience & Skills

• Demonstrated experience in a similar glasshouse supervisory or growing role.
• Proven ability to lead and manage a team in a high-output production environment.
• Hands-on experience with glasshouse climate computers and automated fertigation systems.
• Strong understanding of crop agronomy including IPM, disease identification, irrigation and nutrition management.
• Computer literate with proficiency in Excel for recording energy, crop and labour data.
• Valid driver’s licence.

Personal Attributes

• Natural leadership presence – able to set clear expectations and hold staff accountable respectfully.
• Resilient and calm under pressure in a 24/7 production environment.
• Detail-oriented with a proactive, problem-solving approach.
• Excellent communicator – able to report clearly to management and direct teams effectively.
• Self-motivated and able to take ownership of outcomes.

Desirable Qualifications

• Level 4 or higher qualification in Horticulture, Agriculture or related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Experience with specific climate control platforms (e.g. Priva, Ridder-Hortimax, or similar).
• Knowledge of GAP, food safety, and workplace health & safety compliance requirements.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A key leadership role in a modern, well-resourced glasshouse facility.
• Close mentorship from an experienced Grower (Current Head of Operations) with genuine opportunities to grow into a senior role.
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• A collaborative, team-focused workplace culture.
• Ongoing training and professional development support.

Employer questions

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 a Grower?
• How many years’ experience do you have in a Horticulture Maintenance Role?
• Are you licenced to drive a manual vehicle?
• How much notice are you required to give your current employer?

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