Connings Food Market and Connings Farm is a thriving family-owned business specialising in fresh produce retail, wholesale, and farm-to-market operations.

As Operations Manager, you’ll lead our daily operations, ensuring efficient harvest, post-harvest, and distribution of our premium produce.  You’ll lead a team of around 25 people, ensuring smooth operations from the farm to market.  This pivotal role is hands-on, requiring a unique blend of strong leadership, operational expertise, and excellent relationship management skills.

• Manage daily harvesting, packing, and distribution operations

• Lead, support and develop a team of approximately 25 people

• Ensure production meets sales commitments and market demand

• Build and maintain strong relationships with market vendors and salespeople through daily communication

• Implement and maintain quality control systems

• Optimize harvest volumes and operational efficiency

• Oversee dispatch and logistics processes

• Get involved in hands-on work in harvest and post-harvest activities

• Contribute to the development of new crops  and market strategy

We’re looking for someone who has:

• Proven experience in operations management

• Strong leadership, and team management skills – a leader who people want to follow

• The ability to build and maintain strong customer relationships

• Excellent communication and people skills

• The ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds

• Commercial acumen with a focus on operational efficiency and productivity

• Experience in quality control and logistics management

• Proficiency with computer systems and data analysis

• Full NZ Driver's license

• Physical fitness and willingness to engage in hands-on work when necessary

You’ll also be:

• Adaptable and comfortable with change

• Calm under pressure and able to think on your feet

• Quick-thinking and flexible in a dynamic farm environment

• Ability to make rapid decisions as conditions and market demands shift

• Strong problem-solving skills

At Connings, you’ll be part of a growing family business where your skills and ideas are valued. We offer:

• A competitive salary based on your experience

• A supportive team environment

• The opportunity to play a key role in our continued success