Grading Supervisor- Te Puna

DMS Progrowers is looking for a Grading Supervisor to join our Te Puna team. This is a key role within our packhouse operation, responsible for leading the grading function and ensuring fruit consistently meets customer, export and quality requirements.

Who We Are

DMS is a leading kiwifruit and avocado orchard management and post-harvest operator based in the Bay of Plenty. Proudly locally owned and operated, we’re committed to our promise: “Increasing Grower Profit.” With packhouses in Te Puna and Te Puke, DMS consistently ranks among the top performers in the industry.

At DMS, we believe our people are our strength. We’re a supportive, down-to-earth team that values initiative, teamwork, and a positive attitude.

Our Core Values

Together We Achieve | Positive Attitude | Show Initiative | Passion for Success | Consistent Customer Focus | Our People’s Wellbeing

The Role

This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll be responsible for overseeing the grading operation across the site and shifts, ensuring fruit consistently meets customer, export, quality, and food safety requirements.

You’ll work closely with the Site Quality Manager, Production Coordinators, Production and Packing teams, Quality Controllers, and grading staff to achieve daily quality and production targets.

You’ll play a key role in supporting and developing the grading team, maintaining high grading standards, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance, and helping the wider packhouse operation run efficiently.

If you have strong grading or quality experience, enjoy leading people, and take pride in getting the details right, this could be the opportunity for you.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supervise, train, support, and motivate grading staff across the site and shifts.
• Ensure fruit is graded accurately in line with customer, export, MPI, Zespri, NZ Avocados, and DMS requirements.
• Monitor grading and quality standards and communicate issues promptly to the Quality and Production teams.
• Coordinate with Production Coordinators and Quality teams to achieve the best results across all fruit classes.
• Ensure sampling, monitoring, documentation, and records are completed accurately and to the required standards.
• Support compliance with BRC, food safety, and health and safety requirements.
• Lead PPI teams effectively across the site operation.
• Identify and troubleshoot grading or quality issues and work with the relevant teams to resolve them.
• Support staff training and promote a positive, professional, and food-safe team culture.
• Help ensure grading operations are completed efficiently while maintaining high quality standards.
• Assist the Quality Manager and wider Management team with achieving overall site and business objectives.
• Complete reports, forms, and other administration accurately and on time.
• Assist with other operational duties as required during the seasonal period.

What You’ll Bring

• Previous experience as a Quality Controller, Grader, or in a similar quality-focused role.
• Strong knowledge of fruit handling, grading, and quality standards.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to train and motivate a team.
• Excellent attention to detail and a strong commitment to quality.
• Ability to troubleshoot and problem-solve in a fast-paced environment.
• Good computer literacy and confidence learning new systems and software.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong understanding of food safety, quality assurance, and export compliance.
• A professional, reliable, and positive approach to working with others.
• A commitment to health and safety and maintaining a positive team culture.

Preferred

• Experience within the kiwifruit, horticulture, packhouse, or food processing industry.
• Experience working with Zespri, MPI, NZ Avocados, BRC, or export quality standards.
• Knowledge or experience using MAF GS7.
• Previous experience supervising or leading a team in a packhouse or production environment.

Why Join DMS?

• Supportive team culture – work alongside experienced leaders and passionate teams.
• Career growth opportunities within a well-respected horticultural business.
• Competitive remuneration package including health insurance and additional staff benefits.
• Be part of an industry-leading business that values people, teamwork, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Work in a role where you can make a real impact on quality, team performance, and operational results.

Ready to Join the DMS Whānau?

If you’re an experienced quality or grading professional who enjoys leading people, solving problems, and maintaining high standards, we’d love to hear from you.

 

Apply now and grow your career with DMS.