Packhouse Assistant Manager

Onion Packhouse Assistant Manager

Apatu Farms is a proud, family-owned agribusiness in Hawke’s Bay, dedicated to growing premium produce for leading local and global markets. Our Onion Packhouse is a key player in New Zealand’s export onion industry, and we’re looking for a Packhouse Assistant Manager to join our team.

About the role: Reporting to the Packhouse Operations Manager, you’ll be responsible for coordinating production activities and annual machinery maintenance to ensure high-quality packed product. This includes overseeing grading, packing, phytosanitary quality control, and forklift operations.

You’ll lead a team, maintain compliance with food safety and quality standards, and ensure smooth operations throughout the packing season and beyond.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise daily packhouse operations, including grading and packing for export and local markets.
• Monitor quality standards and ensure compliance with phytosanitary requirements.
• Coordinate labour resources and mentor team members to achieve productivity and quality goals.
• Manage machinery setup, calibration, and maintenance schedules.
• Maintain accurate records for production, safety, and compliance.
• Foster a safe, positive, and high-performing team environment.

About you:

• 2+ years’ experience in a produce, FMCG, manufacturing or a similar industry
• Proven leadership and supervisory experience.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and time management skills.
• Intermediate computer skills (Word, Excel, web-based systems).
• Commitment to health and safety and ability to work flexible hours during peak season.

Desirable: o Current OSH Certification or previous relevant forklift operation experience in a manufacturing/production environment. o Knowledge of regulatory compliance Committed to a safe and healthy workplace, and able to pass a pre-employment drug test. o Mechanical aptitude

Applicants also need to have NZ Citizenship / Residency or a valid NZ Work Visa.

Apatu Farms At Apatu Farms, we value teamwork, integrity, and excellence. You’ll be part of a supportive team that takes pride in delivering quality produce to the world.

We Grow | Ka tipu tatou

To find out more about us, visit our website: http://www.apatufarms.co.nz