An exciting leadership opportunity to manage our kiwifruit sample collection operations in a fast-paced role where no two days are the same.
Ready to Lead a High-Energy Team in the Great Outdoors?
Become Our Next Section Manager – Sample Collection, in Mt Maunganui!
Are you an experienced leader wanting a fresh challenge? Do you love mixing office strategy with hands-on fieldwork? Thrive under pressure and take pride in delivering results on time and to spec?
We’ve got the perfect role for you.
Join Hill Labs Sample Collection Team in a permanent role as Section Manager – Sample Collection and play a pivotal role in our Bay of Plenty operations. During the kiwifruit season from February to June, our team operates 7 days a week, collecting kiwifruit samples across the Bay of Plenty and beyond. These samples are tested in our Mount Maunganui lab to help ensure top-quality fruit reaches global markets.
This is not your average desk job. You’ll be leading from the front—planning, coordinating, and rolling up your sleeves alongside your team.
Outside of the kiwifruit season (July-January) is all about reviewing the season that’s been and preparing for the next one. You’ll have the chance to have some downtime before jumping into recruitment.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead the Charge: Recruit, train, and manage a large seasonal workforce including team leaders, sample collectors, couriers, and support staff.
- Operational Excellence: Coordinate daily sample assignments, fleet vehicles, and courier logistics to meet lab and customer needs.
- Performance Focused: Monitor financial and operational KPIs, report results, and drive continuous improvement.
- Culture Builder: Foster a productive, safe, and fun work environment that delivers quality outcomes.
Who You Are
- A hands-on leader who’s just as comfortable in the field as in the office.
- Physically fit and ready to actively participate in sample collection.
- Tech-savvy with confidence using Microsoft Office, web apps, and mobile tools.
- Ideally qualified in Science, Horticulture, or Business.
- A proven people manager with 3+ years of leadership experience.
- A clear communicator and relationship builder.
- A master multitasker who thrives in fast-paced environments.
- A strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen and problem-solving skills.
- Competitive salary reflective of our skills and experience
- Empowerment to lead; Take charge of building your own team and shaping a great team culture
At our core, Hill Labs is driven by science. However, the trust we've built with our clients over the past 40 years speaks volumes about our dedication to people - both those we serve and those who work with us. We understand that our success is a direct result of the commitment and expertise of our diverse and forward-thinking team. We are passionate about providing meaningful value to every employee through four fundamental pillars: Balance, Variety, Opportunity, and Support.
Our Bay of Plenty Branch is dedicated to kiwifruit sample collection and maturity testing and employs around 300 seasonal staff annually as a key component of Zespri’s assurance programme.
How to apply
Interested? If this sounds like a good fit for you, click apply now.
Please ensure you include a cover letter with your CV detailing why you feel you are the best candidate for the role. Please note: Candidates will be actively shortlisted during the advertising period.