Head of Technical & Supply

• Lead growers to deliver world-class results
• Shape the future of a global apple brand
• Own supply and technical strategy at scale

About Rockit

Rockit Global Limited is an innovative, vertically integrated fruit grower, packer, and exporter, marketing unique miniature apples under the Rockit™ brand. From a seed of an idea in Hawke’s Bay over 20 years ago, we’ve grown into one of New Zealand’s most exciting global success stories, with our perfectly sized, delightfully crisp little apples now enjoyed in more than 30 countries.
We’re expanding rapidly at home and abroad, operating from our purpose-built Hastings headquarters with cutting-edge automation and world-class facilities. Our growth means more growers, more packhouses, new markets, and bigger ambitions — to be the world’s most loved apple brand.

The Opportunity

The Head of Supply & Technical is a strategically critical role, responsible for ensuring Rockit growers deliver world-class fruit quality and production outcomes.

In this role you will:

• Lead orchard and supply relationships across NZ, lifting Orchard Gate Returns and packout results.
• Provide technical and agronomic guidance to Rockit’s grower network, ensuring consistent best practice.
• Develop and maintain strong external connections with industry bodies, government agencies and other agencies in NZ and abroad to keep Rockit at the leading edge of developments for the betterment of Rockit and our growers.
• Strengthen grower relationships — balancing commercial discipline with support, innovation, and partnership.
• Oversee packhouse and supply chain alignment to achieve integrated, high-quality outcomes.
• Play a key role in business strategy, reporting directly to the COO and contributing to Board-level discussions.
• Manage and develop a small team of three.

Our growers orchards span Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay and Canterbury, along with 950 hectares offshore across the USA, and Europe. This role offers the chance to influence both local and global growing operations, with a nonstop seasonal cycle and genuine international exposure.

About You

We’re looking for someone who combines technical expertise with strategic leadership. You’ll likely bring:

• Experience managing or consulting to large-scale orchard or horticultural operations (apples not essential, but orchard/agronomy experience is).
• A relevant tertiary qualification (e.g. Science, Quality/Compliance, Supply Chain, Food Systems).
• A track record managing supply contracts in horticulture.
• A strong track record in grower relations, technical support, and operational excellence.
• The ability to manage budgets, health & safety, quality systems, and complex supply contracts.
• Exceptional relationship skills — you know how to engage, challenge, and support growers.
• A practical, problem-solving mindset, balanced with long-term strategic thinking.

Preferred base is Hawke’s Bay, though we are open to other NZ locations for the right person.

Why Rockit?

At Rockit, we believe in a supportive, high-trust culture where you can take ownership, contribute ideas, and grow your career. You’ll be part of a passionate, driven team taking a premium New Zealand brand to the world — all from beautiful Hawke’s Bay.
It takes a special bunch of people to grow the goodness of Rockit apples. If you’re ready to bring your expertise to a global brand with big ambitions, now’s the time to Rockit with us.

Ready to Rockit?

If you’re ready to take ownership of the growers supply space and help shape the next stage of our growth, we want to hear from you. Apply today and be part of a team that makes the impossible possible.

How to Apply

Click Apply Now to submit your application. For a confidential chat, reach out to Lauren at 021 880 897.