About The Role
Based in Gisborne and reporting to the Process Engineering Manager, this role supports and develops automation capability across our processing operations. You’ll work closely with Process Engineering, Engineering teams, and Production to ensure automation systems are reliable, efficient, and aligned with operational requirements.
The role supports automation systems across the full lifecycle — from design and implementation through to optimisation and ongoing performance. Using Ignition SCADA and PLC systems, you’ll monitor processes, analyse system behaviour, investigate issues, and support effective problem resolution in partnership with Production and Engineering teams.
You’ll contribute to process improvement initiatives, automation upgrades, and preventive and corrective maintenance planning, while maintaining accurate automation and system documentation. A key part of the role is collaboration — sharing technical knowledge, supporting team capability, and contributing to continuous improvement across safety, quality, and process efficiency.
This is a full‑time role working 45 hours per week. While the role is not remote, it offers a mix of system oversight, collaboration with Production and Engineering teams, and targeted on‑site support as required.
About You
You’ll bring a strong automation background, along with a practical, hands‑on approach. Ideally, you’ll have:
- 3–5 years’ experience in automation engineering or a similar industrial environment
- Strong proficiency in Python and experience with other programming languages
- Extensive hands‑on experience with Ignition SCADA
- A solid understanding of industrial control systems (ICS) and PLC systems
- Experience programming, modifying and improving SCADA, PLC and HMI code
- LOTO certification and experience operating scissor lifts
- Knowledge of additional languages such as Java, C++ or C#, and exposure to software development practices
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
- Confidence using computers, including spreadsheets and data manipulation tools
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
Just as importantly, you’re someone who enjoys being on the floor, working closely with others, sharing your knowledge, and making a real difference to how things run day to day. If you’re keen to grow your career with a supportive team in a forward‑thinking organisation, we’d love to hear from you — apply now and join LeaderBrand.
Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand and able to pass a pre‑employment drug test
About LeaderBrand
At LeaderBrand, we’re passionate about evolving fresh food for a healthier world. As a proud family-owned business, our goal is to be New Zealand’s most innovative and consistent fresh food producer. We farm across three key growing regions, process and pack in state-of-the-art post-harvest facilities, and are supported by a nationwide sales team delivering fresh produce to every corner of Aotearoa. Our 400+ people are central to our success. We’re always on the lookout for new talent with energy, passion, and a drive to learn – people excited to help shape the future of fresh food.
Gisborne is the heart of our business and the place where LeaderBrand was founded more than 50 years ago. Over that time, LeaderBrand has become integral to the story of our community, with the next generations of those who started with us returning to shape the future alongside us. We also have farms in Pukekohe and Chertsey.
We have a strong vision for the future of our business, our people, and our industry. We’re constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Our continuous improvement mindset grounds us as one of New Zealand’s leading horticultural businesses. We seek, harness, and develop the best people, technology, land, and machinery to shape the future of food.
