Packhouse Manager – Te Puna

Lead, motivate, and deliver operational excellence in one of New Zealand’s leading kiwifruit and avocado packhouses. We are after our next superstar to join our amazing team at DMS Te Puna.

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 Puna 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, shift leaders, and staffing and packaging coordinators.

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

• Develop and implement seasonal labour plans, including RSE coordination and recruitment of key roles.
• Oversee daily packing and repacking operations to meet throughput and dispatch targets.
• Maintain accurate records for costs, compliance, and productivity.
• 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.
• Investigate incidents and 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 or avocado 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 Puna.