Harvest Operations Coordinator

Job Title : Harvest Operations Coordinator

Employer : Central Orchard Management Ltd

Location : Cromwell, Central Otago

About the role

Central Orchard Management Ltd is seeking a Harvest Operations Coordinator for the 2025–26 cherry harvest season. This fixed-term position is responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising the movement of people, equipment, and fruit during harvest. The role has a particular focus on harvest logistics, cool chain management, and fruit transport, and is directly impacted by weather and crop maturity.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and oversee daily logistics schedules for cherry harvest operations
• Coordinate allocation and movement of harvest equipment across orchard blocks
• Organise fruit pickups and deliveries to the packhouse, ensuring cool chain and fruit quality standards are maintained
• Assess harvest blocks (crop volume, varieties, hazards) and communicate outcomes with the grower
• Supervise and support team leaders and logistics staff, providing training, coaching, and performance feedback
• Conduct performance reviews with team leaders and evaluate KPI bonus results
• Monitor fruit quality during harvest and enforce compliance with food safety and regulatory requirements
• Lead health and safety practices and maintain accurate records
• Prepare documentation relating to quality assessments, performance monitoring, and health and safety compliance

Minimum requirements

Job Details

Term : fixed-term, 3 November 2025 – End of Harvest or 28 February 2026 (whichever is sooner)

Pay Rate : $36 per hour

Hours :   Depending on harvest conditions, minimum 30 hours per week, maximum 50 hours per week hours of work will be per a roster Monday to Sunday between 6 : 00 am and 8 : 00 pm. You may be required to work Statutory Holidays and must be available to work the whole harvest period.

Full Job Description can be provided on request.

Please apply with your CV, including 2 x references.

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