AgriculturePlus Logo

Machinery & Farm Operations Lead

Apatu FarmsOtherCentral Hawke's Bay, Hawke's Bay3w ago
Lead machinery and infrastructure operations on a large, progressive dairy farm.
Apatu Farms is a leading Māori agribusiness recognised for scale, performance, and operational excellence across Hawke's Bay. We are focused on people, productivity, and continuous improvement, operating a diverse range of horticultural, agricultural, and dairy enterprises.
Our Plantation Dairy is a high-performing operation milking up to 1,800 cows through a modern 60-bale rotary, supported by a skilled team, quality infrastructure, and a commitment to doing things well.
We are seeking a Machinery & Farm Operations Lead to take ownership of machinery, irrigation, effluent, and infrastructure operations across the farm.
This is not just another tractor driving role. It's a hands-on leadership position where you'll plan, coordinate, and deliver key farm operations while leading a team of two machinery operators and setting the standard for performance, organisation, and equipment care.
About the Role
Reporting to the Farm Manager, you'll be responsible for ensuring machinery and support operations are completed safely, efficiently, and to a high standard. You'll take a proactive approach to planning, coordinating work programmes, maintaining equipment, and supporting the wider dairy operation.
This role will suit someone who enjoys variety, takes pride in their work, likes responsibility, and leads by example.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead and coordinate all machinery operations across the farm.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of two machinery operators.
• Plan and schedule work programmes in advance.
• Manage daily machinery deployment and resource allocation.
• Maintain high standards across the workshop, yard, and machinery fleet.
• Coordinate preventative maintenance and servicing programmes.
• Ensure machinery and infrastructure are maintained to a high standard.
• Support farm operations including:
o Effluent management
o Irrigation setup and operation
o Feeding out
o Muck spreading
o Telehandler, excavator, and wheel loader operations
o Farm maintenance and fencing
What We Offer
• A leadership role with genuine ownership and responsibility.
• The opportunity to lead and develop a team of machinery operators.
• A modern fleet of well-maintained machinery and equipment.
• Variety across machinery, infrastructure, and farm operations.
• Competitive remuneration package.
• 6 days on, 2 days off roster.
• On-farm accommodation available.
• A supportive and well-resourced team environment.
• Career development opportunities within a successful and growing agribusiness.
About You
You're the type of person who notices the details. You take pride in well-maintained equipment, an organised yard, and work completed to a consistently high standard.
You'll bring:
• Strong experience operating tractors and agricultural machinery.
• Experience with telehandlers, excavators, wheel loaders, or similar equipment.
• Proven leadership experience and the ability to motivate others.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative approach.
• Solid mechanical aptitude and a proactive attitude towards maintenance.
• A commitment to health, safety, and quality.
• Reliability, accountability, and a strong work ethic.
• The ability to pass a pre-employment drug test.
To be considered for this role, you must hold New Zealand Citizenship or Residency.
Why Join Apatu Farms?
• Take ownership of machinery and farm operations within a large-scale dairy business.
• Lead a team and make a real impact on farm performance.
• Work with modern equipment in a business that invests in people and infrastructure.
• Enjoy a diverse role where no two days are the same.
• Build your leadership career with one of Hawke's Bay's leading agribusinesses.
Apply now and join a team that values pride, performance, and continuous improvement.
Apatu Farms
We Grow | Ka tipu tātou
www.apatufarms.co.nz

Related jobs

Qualified Arborist | Whangārei

T8 Group Limited•Other•Whangarei, Northland

Join Northland's growing team at T8 Tree Services T8 Tree Services is looking for a qualified and motivated Arborist to join our Whangārei-based team. We work across Northland delivering high-quality tree maintenance, vegetation management, and arboricultural services for…

16h ago

Process Operator - Cream Products

Tatua•Other•Matamata-Piako, Waikato

We are looking for a motivated and reliable Process Operator to join our Cream Products Plant in a permanent, full-time role. As a Process Operator, you'll play a key role in ensuring our production processes run smoothly, safely, and efficiently. Working as part of a…

16h ago

Shepherd

Te Uranga B2 Incorporation•Other•Ruapehu, Manawatu-Whanganui

Te Uranga B2 Incorporation operates a 1,153ha Sheep and Beef enterprise 10 minutes north east of Taumarunui carrying 12,000 stock units and is a past finalist in the Ahuwhenua Trophy Maori Farmer of the Year. With a mixed stocking policy including both sheep and beef with a…

16h ago

Shepherd

Brancott•Other•Hastings, Hawke's Bay

Brancott is a 630ha (530ha eff) Sheep and Breeding farm Located in the Waiwhare District in Hawkes Bay. The block is mainly made up of rolling/medium hill country with scattered blocks of Kanuka throughout. The Stocking policy is made up of * 330 Angus cattle calved * 2000…

1d ago

Machine Operate/All Rounder

GT Harvesting Ltd•Other•Masterton, Wellington

GT Harvesting is a Mechanised Swing yarder crew with long term work based in the Wairarapa and we are seeking an all rounder or -Tether Mech Faller -Loader Operator -Processor Operator You will need to be trained to task, but training will be provide to the right applicant. A…

1d ago

Agricultural Machinery Operator

E D Swain Ltd•Other•Selwyn, Canterbury

Loader operator Immediate start E.D. Swain Ltd is an Agricultural Contracting & Transport operation located in Dunsandel, 30 minutes south of Christchurch. We are a family owned and operated business and strive on providing our clients with a high-quality service. We…

1d ago

Head Shepherd

Otara Station•Other•Gisborne, Gisborne

Our current Head Shepherd is stepping up to become our Stock Manager. We now have an opportunity for a Head Shepherd to join our team at Otara Station, located 30 minutes from Gisborne. You will report directly to the Stock Manager. Otara is 3650ha, running 23000 su. It is a…

1d ago

Manuwai Station - Stock Manager

Manuwai Station•Other•Nūhaka, Hawke's Bay

An opportunity has become available for the role of Stock Manager at Manuwai Station, located at Nuhaka, approximately halfway between Gisborne and Wairoa and within easy reach of Mahia. Manuwai is a 1,250 hectare sheep and beef property running approximately 12,500 stock…

2d ago

Experienced Shepherd

Bonavaree Farm•Other•Marlborough, Marlborough

Be part of a team that appreciates you as much as you appreciate being part of the team! Do you want to learn new skills and be part of this award-winning business setting new levels of excellence in all aspects of farming? Bonavaree Farm is looking for an Experienced…

3d ago

Alpaca Shearing Road Crew Lead-Hand

Shearing Alpacas NZ Wide•Other•Waimakariri, Canterbury

ALPACA SHEARING ROAD CREW LEAD HAND Immediate start — or, ideally, yesterday! We’re looking for a hardworking, switched-on assistant to join an alpaca shearing team travelling around New Zealand. See the best of the country, be part of a proper adventure, and work alongside…

3d ago