Senior Crop Manager
About The Role
Working alongside the Business Manager of Crop production and within a wider team of senior crop Managers, you will lead the agronomy and crop management of our iceberg lettuce, setting the standard for quality, yield, and consistency. Bring a strong technical focus to every decision, backed by data and close observation in the field. Trial and adopt new technology, irrigation methods, and growing systems that keep us ahead. Work with detail that others might overlook, because in this crop the small things decide the result. Lead and develop a field team, setting clear expectations and lifting the capability of the people around you.
About You
We’re looking for someone who is passionate about agriculture, committed to continuous improvement, and eager to make a positive impact. To succeed in this role, you’ll ideally have:
A current full New Zealand Driver Licence (or equivalent international licence)
A qualification in Agronomy, Agriculture, or a related field (preferred)
A current GROWSAFE Certificate (preferred)
Proven ability to build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships
Excellent planning and organisational skills, with the ability to coordinate logistics and operations effectively
Previous experience leading and motivating teams in a professional environment (preferred)
Sound knowledge of irrigation systems and best practice management
Practical mechanical skills and hands-on experience with farm machinery and equipment
An understanding of HACCP principles and familiarity with NZGAP and/or GlobalGAP standards
Experience using farm management software and digital farming technologies
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with excellent attention to detail
The ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with others
Excellent communication and leadership skills, including confident spoken and written English
Strong financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and cost management
Strong computer and technology skills to analyse data and drive digital innovation in farming practices
A continuous improvement mindset, with a proactive and forward-thinking approach to farming operations
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.
