At T&G Global, we’re not just packing apples, we’re helping build one of New Zealand’s biggest global horticulture success stories.
Now, we’re looking for an exceptional operational leader to join our Whakatu site in Hastings as our newly created Packhouse Manager.
This is a rare opportunity to step into a pivotal leadership role at the centre of a globally connected export business, where what happens on site directly impacts customers and consumers across more than 55 countries.
Whakatu is a critical part of T&G’s end-to-end apples business, connecting orchard, packhouse, coolstore and export markets through one integrated system designed to deliver premium fruit to the world.
As global demand for premium branded apples continues to grow, so does the opportunity ahead for Whakatu.
This brand-new leadership role has been created to strengthen operational leadership capability onsite, lift performance, build leadership depth, and help drive the next phase of transformation and operational excellence across the site.
You won’t just be managing production.
You’ll be leading a large-scale operation that plays a direct role in delivering one of New Zealand’s most recognised premium export brands to international markets.
Reporting to the Site Manager, you’ll lead packhouse operations across all shifts through a team of Team Leaders, creating strong operational rhythm, accountability and performance across a highly dynamic environment.
This is a hands-on operational leadership role for someone who thrives in fast-paced production environments and enjoys building high-performing teams.
You’ll play a key role in:
Leading safe, efficient and high-performing packhouse operations
Driving operational discipline, consistency and accountability
Coaching and developing Team Leaders and future site leaders
Improving throughput, efficiency, packout and cost performance
Leading continuous improvement and optimisation initiatives
Building strong cross-functional relationships across operations
Supporting strategic transformation while maintaining strong day-to-day delivery
Creating the operational foundations needed for future growth
You’ll likely come from a similar operational or manufacturing environment where leadership, pace, complexity and production performance all matter.
You know how to lead from the floor, make decisions under pressure, and create strong team culture without compromising standards.
You’ll bring:
Proven experience leading large operational or production teams
Strong operational and people leadership capability
Experience within manufacturing, food processing, packhouse or similar environments
A continuous improvement mindset with the ability to drive change
Strong communication and relationship-building skills
The ability to balance operational delivery with strategic thinking
High standards across safety, quality and performance
Confidence leading through growth, change and complexity
This is an opportunity to join a business with genuine scale, momentum and ambition.
T&G operates across more than 60 countries, with over 2,000 people globally, delivering premium produce and internationally recognised brands including ENVY™ and JAZZ™ apples.
Our premium ENVY™ apple brand recently became the first apple brand from Aotearoa New Zealand to surpass NZD $1 billion in global retail sales, the result of years of investment in world-class growing, post-harvest operations, innovation and export excellence.
And, we continue to invest heavily in the future of our apples business, including our post-harvest capability and automation here in Hawke’s Bay.
Most importantly, this role offers the chance to make a real impact, leading people, improving performance, and helping shape the future capability of one of New Zealand’s most significant export operations.
At T&G, our mindsets guide how we work:
Be Bold – challenge, improve and create the future
Do the Mahi – own it and deliver with discipline
One Team – collaborate and build strong relationships
Take Good Care – support others and make a difference
If you’re an experienced operational leader ready for a role with scale, visibility and genuine opportunity, we’d love to hear from you.
Proof of eligibility to work in New Zealand is required for all applicants and any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory drug test, credit check, medical check and security check.
We want T&G to be a place where everyone is accepted, respected and celebrated for who they are – regardless of our similarities or differences. It’s essential that everyone can be themselves and thrive, and that together we create a diverse and vibrant workplace.
Our story began over125 years ago as Turners and Growers, and today as T&G Global, we help grow healthier futures for people around the world.
Located in 13 countries, our team of 2,000 people both grow and partner with over 1,200 growers to market, sell and distribute nutritious fresh produce to customers and consumers in over 60 countries. As kaitiaki, we do this guided by kaitiakitanga. For us, this means we treat the land, people, produce, resources, and community with the greatest of respect and care, as guardians of their future.
