Amy Sutton - Recruitment Consultant - Permanent
Email: amy@assetrec.co.nz
- Position Post Harvest Operations Manager
- Division Asset Recruitment
- Job Type Permanent
- Location Waikato
- Ref# ST34532
- Posted 7 March 2025
- Close off 13 April 2025
- Great opportunity in a growing company
- Based in Ohaupo
- Subsidised health insurance
Our client Blueberry Country is one of the largest blueberry orchards in NZ, based in Ohaupo, they are family owned and have been operating for over 40 years producing a large range of blueberry products. With four orchards across New Zealand, Blueberry Country is NZ’s largest blueberry grower with over 450 hectares in production.
This is an exciting opportunity to join this locally owned company as Post Harvest Operations Manager. Leading the supply chain for fresh and frozen blueberries ensuring operational efficiency across domestic and international distribution.
About the role
Overseeing the entire post-harvest process, you’ll be responsible for handling, cooling, grading, packing and freezing of blueberries. With an understanding of the mechanical workings of processing lines and refrigeration, you will ensure optimal fruit quality and compliance with NZ Food Safety and export standards. Working closely with the harvest teams, service suppliers and logistics you will be adaptable to changing production demands and seasonal workloads.
A typical day
- Managing workforce planning and labour, particularly during peak harvest and processing
- Ensuring efficient workflow and product quality retention
- Maintaining quality standards for fresh and frozen berries
- Monitoring cold storage and freezing processes to maintain product integrity
- Conduct regular inspections of facilities and equipment to maintain hygiene and food safety standards
- Ensuring compliance for importing and export requirements
- Ensuring all post-harvest equipment is maintained and operating efficiently
- Providing a safe working environment
- Working in refrigerated and freezing environments for extended periods
This is a seasonal business so the ability to work extended hours (including weekends) during peak harvest is required – typically November to April.
What we are looking for
- Minimum 5+ years of experience in post-harvest management, food processing or packhouse operations – preferably in perishable fruits
- Experience working with cold storage, freezing and logistics management
- Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate seasonal workers
- Strong understanding of NZ’s food safety regulations, MPI export requirements and industry certifications
- Excellent organisational and time management skills
- Proficiency in inventory management systems and Microsoft Office applications
If you have excellent problem solving skills, a positive attitude with effective communication skills we’d love to hear from you. To find out more reach out to Amy at Asset Recruitment on 07 839 3685
Or, for further information about this job, please contact:
