Packhouse Forklift Team Leader

Apatu Farms is a proud, family-owned agribusiness in Hawke’s Bay, dedicated to producing premium-quality fruit and vegetables for leading local and international markets

Our Onion Packhouse is a key player in New Zealand’s export onion industry, and we’re looking for a Forklift Team Leader to join our Onion Packhouse team.

About the role: Reporting to the Packhouse Operations Manager, you’ll oversee and coordinate all forklift operations within the packhouse. Your focus will be on ensuring produce is moved efficiently and safely, supporting seasonal production targets, and keeping operations running smoothly during peak periods.

You’ll also lead, coach, and support a team of seasonal forklift operators, helping them work effectively while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and teamwork.

About you: You’ll be a hands-on leader who enjoys working in a fast-paced production environment and setting a positive example for others. You’ll bring:

• Proven experience operating forklifts in a production environment, ideally within food manufacturing and seasonal workflows
• A current OSH forklift certificate and/or F endorsement
• A practical, structured, team-focused approach and willingness to get stuck in
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Physical fitness and a positive, can-do attitude
• A strong commitment to health and safety, including the ability to pass a pre-employment drug test

Applicants must hold New Zealand citizenship/residency, or a valid New Zealand work visa.

Apatu Farms We Grow | Ka tipu tatou

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