Packhouse Team Leader (Cherry Harvest)

Page Views
0
at Central Orchard Management Ltd. (view profile)
Published 24/09/2025
Location Cromwell, New Zealand
Category Stonefruit (including Cherries)  
Job Type Expressions of Interest  
Number of Roles Available 10
Start Date 2025/12/01
End Date 2026/01/31
Starting Rate $25/hr
Job Benefits Accommodation, End of season bonuses, Free Wifi, Social club / staff events

Description

PACKHOUSE TEAM LEADER WANTED – SUMMER JOB IN CROMWELL
Location: Cromwell, Central Otago, New Zealand
Season: Summer 25/26 (December - February)
Job Type: Casual, Seasonal Work

Ready to lead a team, develop your management skills, and work alongside people from across the globe?
Step into the role of Packhouse Team Leader and take responsibility for your crew on the production floor. Build practical leadership experience while shaping your own approach to guiding and motivating your team.

About the Role

As a Packhouse Team Leader, you’ll manage a group of packhouse staff to meet production targets, maintain top quality and keep operations safe and efficient. You’ll motivate your team, solve problems on the go and coordinate with other leaders to keep everything on track.

What the job involves:

  • Leading and motivating your team to hit production goals

  • Coordinating workflow and adjusting to daily needs

  • Troubleshooting operational issues quickly and effectively

  • Communicating clearly with staff and management

  • Ensuring a safe, tidy and efficient working environment

  • Working in cool conditions – a refreshing change from the Central Otago heat

  • From peak season on, working either early morning shifts (~6:00 am start) or late afternoon/evening shifts

  • Working hours vary depending on fruit volume, with shifts typically ranging from 6-10hrs

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone with the right attitude to lead and support a team. Experience in packhouses or leadership is helpful but not essential - enthusiasm, motivation, and a positive mindset matter most.

You are:

  • Motivated and proactive – ready to step up and take responsibility

  • A clear communicator who works well with a diverse team

  • Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities and production demands

  • Empathetic and approachable – able to support and motivate your team

  • Organised and solutions-focused

  • Detail-oriented with a continuous improvement mindset

  • Ideally experienced in a packhouse or in leading a team, but this is a bonus, not a requirement

What You’ll Get

  • 💵 Competitive pay – reflecting experience, teamwork and reliability

  • 🎁 Performance bonus – rewarding those who stay the season with strong attendance and high performance

  • 🌙 Shift bonus – for working late afternoon/evening shifts during peak season

  • 🎓 Leadership training – build skills you can use anywhere

  • 💪 Hands-on leadership experience – develop your own style in a real-world environment

  • Cool working conditions – escape the summer heat

  • 🌏 Work with an international crew – lead people from all over the world

  • 💬 Supportive environment – work closely with management and other leaders

Join Us!

Packhouse leadership roles fill quickly - apply now to secure your spot.

Lead a great team, gain valuable leadership skills and make your Central Otago summer one to remember!