At LeaderBrand, we're passionate about evolving fresh food for a healthier world. As a proud family‐owned business, our goal is to be New Zealand's most innovative and consistent fresh food producer. We farm across three key growing regions, process and pack in state‐of‐the‐art post‐harvest facilities, and are supported by a nationwide sales team delivering fresh produce to every corner of Aotearoa.
Our 400+ people are central to our success. We're always on the lookout for new talent with energy, passion, and a drive to learn – people excited to help shape the future of fresh food.
Gisborne is the heart of our business and the place where LeaderBrand was founded over 50 years ago.
Over that time, LeaderBrand has become integral to the story of our community, with the next generations of those who started with us returning to shape the future alongside us.
We have a strong vision for the future – for our business, our people, and our industry. We're constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Our continuous improvement mindset grounds us as one of New Zealand's leading horticultural businesses. We seek, harness, and develop the best people, technology, land, and machinery to shape the future of food.
ABOUT THE ROLE
This role is based in Gisborne, New Zealand. The Business Manager – Production role oversees the full lifecycle of fresh vegetable crop production across our Gisborne farm, including support throughout our fully integrated supply chain. This role is focused on production excellence, strategic leadership, people development, and commercial performance.
You will lead people, crop strategy, champion innovation, and ensure that production outcomes consistently meet market expectations, customer programmes, and business growth objectives.
Essentially you will be leading our Gisborne Farm Growing team, responsible for planning, growing and delivering our crops. You will work alongside the Business Manager for Operations, who with his team oversees all crop input activities.
KEY RESPONSIBILITES Crop Production
Deliver consistent, premium quality crops aligned with market and operational timelines.
Lead the evolution of crop strategy in partnership with Crop Production Managers.
Drive innovation in sustainability, crop performance, and future‐proofing production systems.
Leadership & Management
Provide clear, strategic leadership to build a high performing, accountable production team.
Embed structured planning, KPIs, reviews, and continuous improvement frameworks.
Ensure sustainable financial stewardship and long‐term viability.
Lead budgeting, cost management, and financial planning aligned with operational priorities.
Stakeholder Management
Build strong internal and external relationships aligned with company values.
ABOUT YOU
You are a strategic, people‐focused leader with strong experience in large‐scale horticulture, cropping, or primary production. You thrive in a dynamic and fast‐paced environment where planning, execution performance, and collaboration are essential.
You will bring:
* Proven leadership experience in crop production or similar agricultural operations.
* Strong commercial and analytical capability.
* A track record of building high performing teams.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
* Exceptional planning and organisational capability, to work across systems, teams, and people.
* Deep commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
* A proactive, innovative mindset aligned with LeaderBrand's values and strategic direction.
WHY LEADERBRAND?
Play a pivotal role in a market‐leading fresh produce business with a strong national footprint and clear growth ambition.
Influence outcomes across our fully integrated supply chain, from field to market, supported by industry‐leading production and post‐harvest capability.
Help shape the future of vegetable production through innovation, sustainability, and performance excellence.
Join a collaborative, high‐performing team where your leadership and decisions genuinely matter.
Ready to make an impact?
Apply now and play a key role in shaping the future of fresh food production at LeaderBrand.
Your application will include the following questions:
* How many years' experience do you have as a production manager?
* Have you worked in a role where you were responsible for yield management?
* What's the largest size team you have managed?
* Do you have experience working towards targets and KPIs?
* Do you have experience leading agile teams?
* Are you familiar with the Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ) standards?
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