General Manager - New Zealand

Rare leadership opportunity to oversee the NZ business of a leading pork producer to drive the next stage of an outstanding business.

26th August, 2025

Our Client
Our client is a leading pork producer with operations across Australia and New Zealand. In New Zealand, the business operates farms located across both the North and South Islands, including a free-range farm. The company is committed to delivering high-quality pork while maintaining strong standards in animal welfare, biosecurity, worker safety, and environmental compliance.

The Role
A General Manager is required to oversee the New Zealand farming operations. The General Manager will report to the Group CEO and Managing Director in Australia but will be expected to operate autonomously with a high degree of independence. The position provides overall leadership of the New Zealand farms, ensuring production and financial targets are achieved while maintaining compliance with New Zealand's strict environmental and effluent management regulations. The GM will support and coach the Farm Managers, most of whom are relatively new to their roles, and provide hands-on leadership to develop capabilities across the teams. The position requires monthly travel to each farm, though frequency is somewhat flexible and at the discretion of the GM. There is also significant flexibility to work from home, with the expectation of being in the office around once a week.

Requirements

• Recent piggery exposure within the last 5 to 10 years;
• Senior operational management experience within large-scale agribusiness;
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to coach, develop, and motivate teams;
• Knowledge of intensive animal production, herd health, nutrition, and biosecurity;
• The ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including farm managers, contractors, suppliers, and industry bodies.

26th August, 2025

Our Client
Our client is a leading pork producer with operations across Australia and New Zealand. In New Zealand, the business operates farms located across both the North and South Islands, including a free-range farm. The company is committed to delivering high-quality pork while maintaining strong standards in animal welfare, biosecurity, worker safety, and environmental compliance.

The Role
A General Manager is required to oversee the New Zealand farming operations. The General Manager will report to the Group CEO and Managing Director in Australia but will be expected to operate autonomously with a high degree of independence. The position provides overall leadership of the New Zealand farms, ensuring production and financial targets are achieved while maintaining compliance with New Zealand's strict environmental and effluent management regulations. The GM will support and coach the Farm Managers, most of whom are relatively new to their roles, and provide hands-on leadership to develop capabilities across the teams. The position requires monthly travel to each farm, though frequency is somewhat flexible and at the discretion of the GM. There is also significant flexibility to work from home, with the expectation of being in the office around once a week.

Requirements

• Recent piggery exposure within the last 5 to 10 years;
• Senior operational management experience within large-scale agribusiness;
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to coach, develop, and motivate teams;
• Knowledge of intensive animal production, herd health, nutrition, and biosecurity;
• The ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including farm managers, contractors, suppliers, and industry bodies.

Remuneration and Location
A highly attractive remuneration package, including salary, superannuation, and a car, will be negotiated to attract the right person for this role. The role will be based in Darfield, Canterbury, or a nearby location, and will involve regular travel to the farms.

To Apply
Please apply for this role online (Seek or ). For a confidential discussion on the role, please call me on or email me at Dr. Ray Johnson, Senior Agribusiness Consultant & Managing Director, Agricultural Appointments.Apply For Job