Business Manager – Crop Production
Job Outline
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 over 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 have a strong vision for the future — for 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.
About The Role
The Business Manager – Crop Production is a pivotal leadership role within our Gisborne farming operations. With five direct reports, including three Crop Production Managers, you will lead the team responsible for delivering the full lifecycle of fresh vegetable crop production, from strategic crop planning through to harvest, supply-chain integration, and commercial performance.
You will be accountable for ensuring your team consistently achieves key production KPIs, including crop yield, quality, cost efficiency, and programme delivery. As a senior leader, you will set the vision for crop strategy, drive innovation, embed best practice, and champion continuous improvement across all growing activities.
This role leads our Gisborne Farm Growing team, overseeing the planning, growing, and delivery of all crops. You will work closely with the Business Manager – Operations, who leads the crop-input and operational support teams, ensuring seamless alignment across our fully integrated supply chain.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Crop Production
- Deliver consistent, premium quality crops aligned with market and operational timelines.
- Lead the evolution of crop strategy in partnership with Crop Production Managers.
- Drive innovation in sustainability, crop performance, and futureproofing production systems.
- Leadership & Management
- Provide clear, strategic leadership to build a high performing, accountable production team.
- Embed structured planning, KPIs, reviews, and continuous improvement frameworks.
- Financial Management
- Ensure sustainable financial stewardship and long term viability.
- Lead budgeting, cost management, and financial planning aligned with operational priorities.
- Stakeholder Management
- Build strong internal and external relationships aligned with company values.
About You
You are a strategic, people focused leader with strong experience in largescale horticulture, cropping, or primary production. You thrive in a dynamic and fast paced environment where planning, execution performance, and collaboration are essential.
You will bring:
- Proven leadership experience in crop production or similar agricultural operations.
- Strong commercial and analytical capability.
- A track record of building high performing teams.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Exceptional planning and organisational capability, to work across systems, teams, and people.
- Deep commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
- A proactive, innovative mindset aligned with LeaderBrand’s values and strategic direction.
WHY LEADERBRAND?
- Play a pivotal role in a market‑leading fresh produce business with a strong national footprint and clear growth ambition.
- Influence outcomes across our fully integrated supply chain, from field to market, supported by industry‑leading production and post‑harvest capability.
- Help shape the future of vegetable production through innovation, sustainability, and performance excellence.
- Join a collaborative, high‑performing team where your leadership and decisions genuinely matter.
Apply now and play a key role in shaping the future of fresh food production at LeaderBrand.
