Job Title: Packing Coordinator
Employer: CentralPac Ltd.
Location: Cromwell, Central Otago

 

About the role

CentralPac is looking for an experienced Packing Coordinator to join our team for the upcoming cherry harvest.
Reporting to the Packing Manager, you’ll coordinate packing operations across your shift, lead our Floor and Box Making Team Leads, and keep production moving safely, efficiently and to specification.
This is a hands-on operational role in a fast-paced packhouse. You’ll need to be confident leading people, responding to changing production requirements and making practical decisions throughout the shift.

 

Key responsibilities

  • Coordinate packing operations and deliver the shift production plan
  • Lead and support Team Leads to manage staff performance, productivity, and training
  • Allocate staff and adjust labour as production requirements change
  • Monitor production flow, identify bottlenecks, and respond to downtime or breakdowns
  • Coordinate packrun, variety, grade, size, packaging, and labelling changeovers
  • Work closely with Unitec Machine Operators, QC, Crop Quality, Coolstore, Inwards, and Maintenance
  • Respond to changing fruit quality, grading outcomes, and production priorities
  • Ensure packing, presentation, traceability, and customer requirements are maintained
  • Lead shift briefings and maintain clear communication across production teams
  • Monitor staff performance, attendance, training, and workplace standards
  • Ensure food safety, hygiene, biosecurity, and health and safety requirements are followed
  • Provide clear shift handovers and report key production issues to the Packing Manager

Minimum requirements

  • At least 12 months’ experience in a horticultural post-harvest environment, and a minimum of two cherry-specific commercial packing seasons
  • Previous experience supervising or coordinating staff
  • Practical understanding of fruit grading, quality, sizing, and packing specifications
  • Experience working with production plans, packruns or customer packing requirements
  • Confidence making operational decisions in a fast-changing environment.
  • Strong communication and leadership skills
  • Good understanding of traceability, food safety, hygiene and workplace health and safety
  • Comfortable using production systems and maintaining accurate operational records
Experience working with automated optical fruit grading equipment is highly desirable, with Unitec experience an advantage.
We’re looking for someone who can see the bigger production picture while staying on top of what is happening on the floor. You’ll be organised, practical and confident giving direction, while working closely with other operational and quality teams to keep the shift on track.

Job Details

Term: fixed-term, 26 October 2026 to 31 March 2027
Pay Rate: $35 per hour
Hours:  Depending on harvest conditions and packing requirements, minimum 30 hours per week, maximum 60 hours per week across a seven-day roster (Monday to Friday). You may be required to work Statutory Holidays and must be available to work the whole harvest period.

Full Job Description can be provided on request.

Please apply with your CV, including 2 x references.

Applications close on 07.10.2026.

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Employer Questions

Your application will include the following question(s):

  • Are you a New Zealand Citizen or Residence Class Visa Holder?
  • Are you an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident?
  • Do you have a temporary visa with full-time work rights?
  • Are you in New Zealand currently?
  • Do you have previous experience supervising or coordinating staff?
  • Do you have at least 12 months relevant experience?
  • Are you available for the full period and hours described in the Ad?
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