If you’re looking for a hands-on leadership role in the horticulture industry, this Packhouse Supervisor job in Alexandra with T&G Hinton’s Orchard offers an exciting opportunity. You’ll play a vital part in producing and delivering premium Central Otago cherries and stone fruit to local and international markets. This is a perfect role for someone with strong mechanical aptitude, proven organisational skills, and a passion for working in a fast-paced, seasonal environment.
About T&G Fresh
T&G Fresh has been a household name in New Zealand for over 125 years, nourishing generations of Kiwis with the very best fruit and vegetables. The company grows, packs, markets, distributes, imports, and exports fresh produce from its own farms and from more than 700 Kiwi growers.
About Hinton’s Orchard
Hinton’s Orchard is one of New Zealand’s most respected and largest stonefruit orchards. A fifth-generation family business, it spans 159 hectares in Alexandra, Central Otago, and produces a wide range of premium fruit including cherries, apricots, nectarines, peaches, plums, and peacharines. Hinton’s Orchard is renown for supplying both the domestic market and international customers across Asia, maintaining a reputation for premium quality and freshness. Working at Hinton’s means being part of a heritage brand with deep community roots and a commitment to sustainable, high-quality fruit production.
Job Summary – Packhouse Supervisor
The Packhouse Supervisor role in Alexandra is a varied position that combines hands-on operational duties with leadership and coordination tasks. You’ll oversee the cherry and stone fruit packhouse facility, supporting machinery operations, dispatch, inventory management, and seasonal staff training. During the off-season, you’ll also assist with orchard tasks and machinery work.
This is a role suited to someone who thrives in a fast-paced operational environment, enjoys solving problems, and has strong organisational and mechanical skills.
Key Responsibilities
As a Packhouse Supervisor, your main responsibilities will include:
- Supporting the daily operations in the cherry packhouse machinery room.
- Overseeing inventory and managing storage of packed fruit, field bins, and packaging supplies.
- Coordinating dispatch with the General Manager, ensuring accurate labelling, load planning, and communication with freight providers.
- Leading health and safety initiatives and training seasonal staff.
- Supporting the Operations Manager in the mechanical and operational running of the cherry packing shed.
- Acting as a competent forklift operator for loading, unloading, and packhouse movements.
- Assisting orchard operations during the off-season, including machinery use and seasonal tasks.
Qualifications and Skills Required
To be successful in this role, you should have:
- Strong mechanical aptitude and practical problem-solving skills.
- Previous packhouse or dispatch experience (preferred but not essential).
- Proven experience in a fast-paced operational environment.
- A valid forklift licence with demonstrated experience.
- Excellent organisational and logistics coordination skills.
- A positive, can-do attitude with the ability to work with and train seasonal staff.
Work Environment & Culture
T&G Hinton’s Orchard fosters a workplace where diversity, inclusivity, and teamwork are celebrated. Seasonal operations bring together people from different backgrounds, and supervisors are key to creating a supportive, respectful environment. Employees are expected to follow strict health and safety standards, ensuring both product quality and worker wellbeing.
The orchard’s culture is grounded in family values, teamwork, and respect, making it a rewarding place to build your career in horticulture.
Salary & Benefits
This role offers a competitive pay rate in line with industry standards. Additional benefits include:
- Opportunities for career growth within T&G Fresh and Hinton’s Orchard.
- Hands-on training and leadership experience.
- Seasonal variety in work responsibilities, keeping the role engaging.
- Being part of a business with over a century of success and innovation in horticulture.
Training & Growth Opportunities
The Packhouse Supervisor role provides opportunities to strengthen your skills in leadership, logistics, mechanical operations, and horticulture. T&G Fresh and Hinton’s Orchard are committed to employee development, offering ongoing training and career progression within the horticulture industry.
Job Type & Contract Details
- Job Title: Packhouse Supervisor
- Location: Alexandra, Central Otago, New Zealand
- Employment Type: Permanent, full-time
- Industry: Horticulture / Fruit Packhouse & Orchard Operations
How to Apply
If you’re ready to take the next step in your horticulture career, don’t miss this opportunity. Apply now and join a passionate team bringing New Zealand’s premium stonefruit to the world.
👉 Apply for this job on Indeed
Why Join T&G Hinton’s Orchard?
By joining T&G Hinton’s Orchard, you’ll become part of a legacy business that values hard work, teamwork, and innovation. You’ll play a crucial role in ensuring Central Otago’s fruit reaches both local and international markets at the highest standard. With a supportive environment and opportunities to grow your skills, this is a role where your efforts make a real impact.
FAQs
1. What does a Packhouse Supervisor do at Hinton’s Orchard?
They oversee daily packhouse operations, inventory, dispatch, and seasonal staff training.
2. Do I need packhouse experience?
Previous packhouse or dispatch experience is preferred but not essential.
3. What qualifications are required?
A forklift licence, mechanical aptitude, and experience in fast-paced environments.
4. Is this a hands-on role?
Yes, it involves machinery operation, forklift use, and seasonal orchard tasks.
5. Where is the job located?
At Hinton’s Orchard in Alexandra, Central Otago.
6. Who will I report to?
You will support both the Operations Manager and the General Manager.
7. What are the work hours like?
Hours vary seasonally, with higher demand during cherry harvest and packing season.
