Senior Crop Manager

Your Role

The Senior Crop Manager supports LeaderBrand’s Gisborne cropping team to grow high-quality vegetables from planting to market. This role is integral to LeaderBrand’s mission of delivering premium horticultural produce.

This position will have close involvement with the Business Manager - Crop Production and wider farm team to ensure crops are maintained from supporting crop health and agronomy, overseeing daily farm operations and driving crop performance.  The Senior Crop Manager will also have accountability for the financial performance of agronomic programmes, including forecasting input requirements, managing costs within agreed budgets, and identifying opportunities to improve return on investment. This involves regular reviews of programme spend, variance analysis, and proactive financial decision-making aligned with production and quality outcomes.

Key responsibilities

Planning and implementing comprehensive crop management strategies to maximise yield and quality across all growing seasons

Overseeing daily crop cultivation activities including soil preparation, planting, irrigation, pest and disease management, and fertiliser application

Monitoring crop health and development throughout the growth cycle, identifying and addressing any issues promptly

Coordinating harvesting operations and ensuring produce meets quality standards and market requirements

Conducting soil testing, nutrient analysis and implementing evidence-based agronomic practices

Recording and analysing production data to identify trends, optimise practices and improve operational efficiency

Liaising with suppliers, distributors and stakeholders regarding crop schedules and requirements

Maintaining equipment and infrastructure, ensuring optimal functioning of irrigation systems and farm machinery

What we're looking for

5+ years of experience in crop management or horticultural production within a commercial farming environment

Strong knowledge of horticulture practices, crop varieties, soil science and seasonal growing cycles relevant to New Zealand conditions

Experience supervising teams and staff in an agricultural setting

Demonstrated proficiency in identifying and managing crop diseases, pests and environmental stressors

Sound understanding of irrigation systems, soil management and fertiliser application

Experience with farm management software and data recording systems

Knowledge of health and safety regulations and environmental compliance requirements in agriculture

Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to make decisions under time pressure during critical growing periods

Strong communication and interpersonal skills with ability to work collaboratively across teams

Relevant agricultural qualifications or certifications (such as horticultural diplomas or crop management credentials) would be advantageous

Willingness to work flexible hours during peak harvesting and planting seasons

What’s on Offer

LeaderBrand is committed to supporting the professional development and wellbeing of their team along with:

Competitive remuneration package that reflects your experience and expertise

Opportunities to enhance your knowledge through industry training, access to the latest horticultural research and participation in continuous improvement initiatives

A supportive working environment that values innovation, sustainability and staff engagement

A culture of safety and environmental responsibility

Modern equipment and infrastructure to support your work

* Flexible arrangements may be available to support work-life balance where operationally feasible, particularly during off-peak seasons.

About LeaderBrand Produce Ltd

LeaderBrand is a dedicated horticultural business operating in the Gisborne region, committed to producing premium quality crops using sustainable farming practices. They combine traditional agricultural knowledge with modern production techniques to deliver excellence across their operations. Their mission is to grow nutritious, high-quality produce whilst maintaining strong environmental stewardship and supporting their local community.

Hit APPLY or call Rebecca at Rural Directions on 022 690 1312 for a confidential chat.

Applications close Sunday 8 November 2026

We will be reviewing applications as they come in so APPLY NOW.