Job Description

• Lead a high-performing team supporting growers across Hawke's Bay and Gisborne

• Work alongside recognised industry leaders with deep sector expertise

• Competitive salary package, company vehicle and full tools of trade

Farmlands Horticulture has become an increasingly influential partner to growers across New Zealand's key horticultural regions, and we're looking for an experienced leader to help shape what's next.

Reporting to General Manager - Horticulture Chris Binns, you'll lead an established team of experienced horticulture specialists, supporting growers across Hawke's Bay and Gisborne while helping shape the future direction of Farmlands Horticulture.

Working alongside respected industry leaders including Chris Binns, Andy Davis, Graeme Lee, Grant McKay, Luke Hawthorne and Dwayne Farrington, you'll help drive the continued success of Farmlands' horticulture business through strong customer relationships, capable teams and commercial leadership.

If you're passionate about horticulture, people leadership, and building strong commercial partnerships, this is an opportunity to make a genuine impact in one of New Zealand's most important growing regions.

Mō te whai waahi | About the opportunity

Farmlands Horticulture has established itself as a significant and growing force within New Zealand horticulture through investment in people, technical capability and strong grower relationships. Our team combines specialist expertise, practical advice and trusted partnerships to help growers achieve better outcomes.

As Regional Sales Manager - Horticulture, you'll lead an established and capable team of horticulture specialists supporting growers throughout Hawke's Bay and Gisborne, spanning some of New Zealand's most important horticultural and viticultural regions.

You'll inherit a high-performing team with deep horticultural expertise, strong grower relationships and a solid platform for future growth. The opportunity now is to build on those foundations, bring your own leadership style, and help shape the next phase of success.

This role combines people leadership, commercial performance, customer engagement and strategic influence. Success will come from developing your team, building trusted relationships with growers, and helping Farmlands deliver value across the horticultural sector.

In this role you will:

• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing horticulture sales team

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with growers, customers, suppliers and industry stakeholders

• Drive regional sales growth and commercial performance

• Support forecasting, planning and pricing disciplines across the business

• Identify opportunities to strengthen customer outcomes and grow market presence

• Partner with colleagues across Farmlands to deliver practical solutions for growers

• Foster a positive, collaborative and high-performing team culture

Location:

The majority of our team members and growers are based in Hawke's Bay and Gisborne, and regular presence within the region will be important. The role supports customers across the wider Central North territory, and we're flexible on where the successful candidate is based, welcoming applications from experienced horticulture leaders across Hawke's Bay, Gisborne, Manawatū and Wairarapa.

Mōhou ake | About you

You'll bring deep horticultural understanding, proven leadership experience and strong commercial capability.

You may currently be leading a sales team, managing a horticultural business, working within a supplier organisation, or operating in a senior grower-facing role within the sector.

Most importantly, you understand people. You know how to build trust, create alignment, develop capability and drive performance through others.

You'll ideally bring:

• Proven experience leading and developing successful teams

• Strong horticultural industry knowledge and established industry networks

• A track record of building enduring customer relationships

• Commercial acumen and experience identifying growth opportunities

• Confidence using technology, reporting tools and business systems

• The ability to influence and collaborate across a complex organisation

• Strong planning, organisational and problem-solving skills

Above all, you're someone who leads with integrity, values relationships and contributes positively to team culture.

Why Join Farmlands Horticulture?

• Join a horticulture business with strong growth momentum and a clear vision for the future

• Lead an established team with strong grower relationships and deep sector expertise

• Influence strategy, capability and performance across a key horticultural region

• Build on strong foundations while shaping the next phase of growth

• Be part of a co-operative committed to the long-term success of New Zealand's primary industries

Mō ngā painga | What's in it for you?

• Competitive remuneration package

• Company vehicle and full tools of trade

• Flexible working arrangements

• Strong growth trajectory and future career opportunities

• Professional development and leadership support

• The opportunity to make a genuine impact on growers, customers and the wider horticulture sector

Mō mātou | About us

Farmlands Te Whenua Tāroa is New Zealand's largest farmer-owned co-operative, supporting farmers and growers to improve profitability and productivity.

With more than 1,200 employees nationwide and deep connections across the primary sector, we're committed to helping our customers succeed while creating opportunities for our people and communities.

Guided by our values of Be You, Minds Open and See It Through, we're building a stronger future for New Zealand agriculture and horticulture.

Te Tono | How to apply

Apply online with your CV and cover letter.

Applications close: 31 August 2026.

You must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. Pre-employment checks include references, Ministry of Justice check, right to work, driver’s licence check, and ACC history. Additional checks may apply for some roles.