Farm Manager - Berries
Mills Recruitment
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Join a growing hydroponic berry farm
Lead operations & seasonal teams
Work in a high-tech, innovative environment
Our Client
Our client is a large-scale, innovative horticultural business specialising in premium hydroponic berry production. With a strong focus on technology, quality, and people, they are seeking an experienced Farm Manager to operate as 2IC to the General Manager, leading day-to-day growing operations and driving production performance.
The business is entering a significant growth phase, commencing with 6 hectares in production this year, expanding by a further 6 hectares next year, with a long-term vision of developing further more hectares in the years ahead. This expansion creates genuine long-term leadership opportunity.
About the Role
This is a hands-on senior operational role suited to someone who thrives in fast-paced production environments and enjoys balancing crop performance with strong team leadership. About the Role
As Farm Manager and 2IC, you will be responsible for the operational delivery of the farm's growing programme and accountable for maximising soft fruit yield across a high-tech hydroponic system. You will oversee crop performance, workforce planning, compliance, and on-farm standards, working closely with the Irrigation Manager, crop supervisors, and seasonal team leaders, while supporting the General Manager in strategic and operational execution.
Key focus areas include:
Day-to-day hydroponic crop and production management
Leading and motivating a large seasonal workforce
Workforce planning aligned to changing crop demands
Quality assurance, food safety, and compliance standards
Health & safety leadership and asset management
Monitoring crop performance and reporting to the General Manager
About You
You are a confident operational leader with strong horticultural knowledge and proven people management capability, comfortable making decisions in a production-driven environment. You will ideally bring:
Extensive proven experience in commercial horticulture (5+ years)
Experience in soft fruit, covered cropping, or hydroponic systems
Proven leadership or supervisory experience
Strong understanding of crop health, pest and disease management
Experience managing large, diverse seasonal teams
A proactive, organised, and solutions-focused approach
Full NZ Class 1 Driver Licence
Desirable experience:
Experience with greenhouse technology and horticultural automation systems, ideally Priva, including climate control, irrigation, and fertigation management
What's on Offer
Competitive remuneration package, negotiable based on experience
Opportunity to join a progressive, rapidly expanding horticultural operation
Work in a high-tech, innovative environment
Senior leadership role with real influence over production outcomes
Clear progression pathway into a future General Manager position, as the current GM transitions into developing new horticultural projects alongside the Managing Director and investors
If you're ready to step into a senior Farm Manager role within a forward-thinking and ambitious growing business, we'd love to hear from you.