Grower Services Manager
Focused on orchard-to-market excellence, Seeka is a fully integrated horticultural and produce company growing, processing, distributing and marketing premium produce to world markets.
We are looking for an experienced people leader and relationship builder to join our Grower Services team as Grower Services Manager. Based in the Bay of Plenty, this is a key leadership role responsible for leading Seeka’s Grower Services function and ensuring the business builds strong, long-term relationships with its grower base.
You’ll lead the Grower Services team, support Client
Relationship Managers across the business and work closely with the Senior
Management Team to ensure Seeka delivers a grower proposition that is valued,
competitive and responsive to the needs of its growers. This is a diverse role
bringing together people leadership, grower relationships, commercial thinking
and strong knowledge of the New Zealand kiwifruit industry.
What you’ll be doing:
- Lead, coach and develop the Grower Services team to deliver a consistent and professional service to growers
- Build and maintain strong relationships with growers, grower groups and key industry stakeholders
- Lead strategies to retain existing growers and identify opportunities to grow Seeka’s supply
- Manage key strategic grower relationships and ensure grower needs are understood and addressed
- Support Client Relationship Managers with the tools, information and guidance they need to manage their grower relationships effectively
- Represent Seeka at grower events, field days and industry engagements
- Conduct regular orchard visits and maintain a strong understanding of grower needs and orchard performance
- Build a positive, commercially aware and customer-focused team culture within the team
What you’ll bring:
- Proven experience in client relationship management and team leadership, within the horticulture sector
- Strong knowledge of the New Zealand kiwifruit industry and its supply chain from orchard to market
- Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to establish trust and credibility with diverse stakeholders
- Commercial thinking and the ability to understand market and competitor dynamics
- Ability to turn grower, industry and commercial information into practical actions
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver under pressure in a seasonal and fast-moving environment
- A visible, approachable and collaborative leadership style
Qualifications and experience:
- Proven experience in client relationship management within horticulture industry
- Strong industry experience within the New Zealand kiwifruit industry
- Demonstrated experience leading, coaching, and developing a team
- Full and clean New Zealand driver licence
What we offer:
- Permanent full-time position with competitive remuneration
- Health, life and trauma insurance benefits
- Key leadership role within Seeka’s Grower Services function
- Opportunity to influence grower strategy and contribute to Seeka’s commercial performance
If you’re passionate about building strong grower relationships, leading high-performing teams and making a positive commercial impact in the horticultural industry, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply now with your CV and cover letter.
Applicants must currently be living in New Zealand and hold a valid work visa.
