TEAM LEADER WANTED – LEAD A PICKING CREW

Location: Cromwell & surrounding areas, Central Otago, New Zealand
Season: Summer 26/27 (December 2026 - January/February 2027)
Job Type: Seasonal Work | Fixed-term | Free transport

Ready to step up and lead a team?

Join our cherry harvest team as a Team Leader and gain genuine, hands-on leadership experience while working with people from all over the world.

You’ll be responsible for a crew of 18+ pickers, helping them work safely, pick quality fruit and achieve daily performance targets. It’s a great opportunity to develop your communication, leadership and people-management skills in a fast-paced outdoor environment.

About the Role

As a Team Leader, you’ll be the main point of contact for your crew throughout the harvest day.

What the job involves:

• Leading and supporting a team of 18+ cherry pickers to meet daily harvest goals
• Monitoring fruit quality and providing on-the-job training
• Giving clear, constructive feedback to help pickers improve
• Keeping accurate records such as timesheets
• Making sure your team follows all Health & Safety procedures
• Supporting and motivating your team to perform their potential

Working hours & flexibility

Cherry harvest is a 7-day operation during peak periods, so flexibility and availability are important.

• Early morning starts, generally between 6:00–7:00 am
• Daily start times and hours can change from day to day, depending on fruit maturity, weather and harvest requirements
• Work may sometimes be adjusted at short notice, including changes to the planned start time or finish time
• Weekend work is required during the peak harvest period
• Work is generally organised around the needs of the orchard, with hours and days varying throughout the season

Being flexible and able to adapt to changing harvest conditions is an important part of working in the orchard during cherry season.

What We’re Looking For

You’re someone who enjoys responsibility, can handle challenging situations and thrives in a people-focused role.

You are:

• A clear communicator – able to give updates and feedback, explain tasks and communicate effectively
• Calm under pressure and flexible in adapting plans & priorities as situations change
• Experienced in leading a team, OR you’re keen to gain leadership experience
• Empathetic and approachable – someone your team feels comfortable coming to for help
• Organised and reliable with a keen eye for detail
• Proactive – you notice problems and take action rather than waiting to be asked
• Positive and motivating – able to keep your team focused during long harvest days

What You’ll Get

• 💵 Opportunity to earn good money
• 🎯 Weekly performance reviews with bonus opportunities
• 📱 Phone allowance for work-related use of your personal phone
• 🎁 Performance bonus – rewarding those who stay the season with strong attendance and high performance
• 🚐 Free transport to and from the orchards
• 📚 Professional team leader training including a certificate
• 🌏 Work with people from all over the world
• 💬 Supportive environment that values initiative and communication
• 💪 Real hands-on leadership experience you can take into your next job

Join Us!

This is more than just a summer job. You’ll have the opportunity to lead a team, deal with real challenges and develop your own leadership style – all while experiencing a New Zealand summer in beautiful Central Otago.

If you’re ready to take responsibility, support your team and lead from the front, we’d love to hear from you.

🍒 Apply now – Team Leader positions are limited and will fill quickly.

Lead your crew. Build your skills. Make your summer count.