Overview
Exciting senior leadership role to establish and grow our client's New Zealand operations in the heart of the fruit industry!
- Lead NZ operations and drive growth in the iconic NZ fruit industry!
- Foster partnerships with local growers and packhouses
- Make an impact with full backing from a globally renowned Agribusiness
About our Client
Our client is a trusted name in the global fresh produce trade, with a legacy spanning over seven decades. With their Headquarters in India, they have a strong international presence through subsidiaries in South America, Europe and South Africa. Our client is expanding into New Zealand, establishing a branch office in Auckland or Wellington, with operations focused on the premium apple industry, as well as other fresh fruits as the operation expands.
This is the start of a very exciting journey, with future expansion envisioned into packhouses, cold stores, and broader procurement infrastructure across New Zealand.
The Opportunity
Our client is seeking an accomplished Senior Professional to Head their New Zealand Operations , with deep expertise in the horticulture industry and a large emphasis on apples. This is a unique opportunity to establish and lead our client's expansion in to New Zealand, working closely with apple growers, packhouses, and logistics partners to ensure seamless operations and high-quality exports.
Key Responsibilities
Establish and manage our clients New Zealand operation, presence and office.Direct procurement of apples from growers, with strict quality and traceability standards.Conduct pre- and post-harvest quality checks to ensure fruit meets export-grade requirements.Maintain accurate record-keeping, documentation, and auditing in line with compliance and export standards.Negotiate and coordinate with packhouses on rental storage and packing facilities.Oversee cold chain logistics, shipping schedules, and export dispatches.Build and nurture long-term partnerships with growers and supply chain stakeholders.Report directly to the Additional Managing Director at their India headquarters.About You
Our client is searching for a senior professional with :
15-20 years' experience in the Horticulture industry , preferably in procurement and exports.Extensive experience in the apple industry, additional exposure to other fresh fruits such as pears and kiwifruit advantageousPreferably an academic / professional background as an Agronomist with strong knowledge of New Zealand's premium Gala apple regions.Proven expertise in cold chain management and post-harvest protocols.Strong networks with growers, packhouses, exporters, and logistics providers.Ability to work independently and strategically to establish a new branch operation.Location
The role will require close engagement with growers in New Zealand's renowned apple-growing regions :
Preferred base : Hawke's Bay or Nelson / Tasman, for close proximity to orchards and packhousesWork model : Hybrid. Primarily home-based with regular travel across the growing regions.Branch office : Auckland or Wellington to be establishedWhat's On Offer
Our client knows that great people drive great results, you'll be trusted to build something new and impactful with full backing from a global agribusiness. In return, they are prepared to offer :
A global platform, the opportunity to establish and lead our client's operations in New Zealand, backed by 70+ years of international expertise.Competitive compensation, our client recognises and rewards your experience, with the possibility of offering a substantial increase on your current salary package.Flexibility for top talent, they remain open and flexible; compensation will not be a limiting factor.Room to grow, be at the forefront of this exciting expansion journey, with future opportunities linked to packhouse, cold storage, and broader procurement infrastructure.Hybrid working, operate from the heart of New Zealand's fruit-growing regions (Hawke's Bay or Nelson) while staying connected to the Auckland / Wellington office#J-18808-Ljbffr