Packhouse Manager – Te Puke
Lead, motivate, and deliver operational excellence in one of New Zealand’s leading kiwifruit packhouses. We are looking for a passionate and driven Packhouse Manager to join our amazing team at DMS Te Puke.
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 state-of-the-art packhouses in Te Puna and Te Puke, DMS consistently ranks in the top 10% for kiwifruit packing and coolstore performance.
Our people are the heart of what we do—we work hard, support one another, and celebrate our wins together.
Our Values:
Together We Achieve | Positive Attitude | Show Initiative | Passion for Success | Consistent Customer Focus | Our People’s Wellbeing
The Role
As Packhouse Manager, you’ll ensure the smooth and efficient running of our Te Puke packhouse operations — covering packing, repacking, and dispatch. You’ll oversee health and safety, compliance, resource optimisation, and budgets, while leading a high-performing team of production coordinators and supervisors.
Your ability to plan ahead, manage seasonal workflows, and foster a positive and productive team culture will be critical to our success.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Oversee daily packing and repacking operations to meet throughput and dispatch targets.
- Maintain accurate records for costs, compliance, and productivity.
- Develop and implement seasonal labour plans, including RSE coordination and recruitment of key roles with the support of our HR Advisor.
- Liaise with packaging, engineering, and site management teams to ensure seamless operations.
- Lead, coach, and support production staff to achieve high standards of performance and engagement.
- Build strong communication channels across shifts, teams, and growers.
- Assist with incident reporting and follow-up to ensure compliance with BRC, Biogro, OSH, Zespri, AsureQuality, and DMS health & safety standards.
What You’ll Bring
- Minimum 5 years of packhouse or production leadership experience (essential).
- Proven ability to lead and motivate teams to achieve objectives.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and planning skills.
- High attention to detail, with excellent written and verbal communication.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing demands and work under pressure, especially during peak season (March–June, with additional weekend/evening hours).
- Current and valid work visa (if applicable).
- Preferred experience in kiwifruit post-harvest operations and/or a relevant tertiary qualification.
Why Join DMS?
- Great people – we mean it when we say, "you’ll be working with the nicest people."
- Supportive culture – your well-being and success matter to us.
- Competitive remuneration – including bonuses, health insurance, and more.
- Career growth in a thriving and future-focused horticultural industry.
- Be part of a top-performing business – recognised as a leader in kiwifruit and avocado post-harvest.
Applicants must complete a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening.
Ready to step into a pivotal leadership role?
We’d love to hear from you! Apply now and help shape the future of DMS Te Puke!
