Machinery & Farm Operations Lead

Lead machinery and infrastructure operations on a large, progressive dairy farm.

Apatu Farms is a leading Maori 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.

If you would like to know more about us please click here: Apatu Farms

We Grow | Ka tipu tatou

Please note that you will need to hold New Zealand Citizenship or Residency to be considered for this role.