Research & Development (R&D) and Lab Manager at Mr Apple Careers site (Whakatu, New Zealand)
Mr Apple Careers site· Whakatu, New Zealand·
Job description
As New Zealand’s largest integrated apple grower, Mr Apple continues to grow the best people alongside the best apples. Science, technology, and data play an increasingly important role in how we optimise harvest timing, improve fruit quality, and deliver premium outcomes to customers around the world.
We are looking for someone to act as an innovator and champion within the business, actively identifying opportunities to improve harvest outcomes through science, technology, and data-driven approaches.
What you'll be doing:
Reporting to the Head of Orchards, you will help our business to turn technical insight, maturity data and trial results into practical recommendations which contribute to orchard and post-harvest performance. Through accurate maturity monitoring, trial execution, data analysis, and the application of scientific and technological tools, you will support evidence‑based harvest decision making within the business.
Your day-to-day work will include:
- Harvest research & maturity science - Collection, analysis, and interpretation of fruit maturity data to inform harvest timing decisions.
- Trial execution & applied R&D - Work with technical managers in the planning, setup, and execution of harvest‑related trials ensuring they are practical and relevant to orchard and post‑harvest operations.
- Data, Technology & Systems Support - Contribute to continuous improvement in how harvest data is collected and analysed by using technology and data systems.
- Technical Support to Orchard & Post‑Harvest Teams - Provide technical support to orchard and post-harvest teams assisting with maturity sampling programmes, scientific measures and technical outputs, ensuring data is available when needed.
- People Leadership - Provide effective leadership, coaching and support to the Laboratory team, creating a positive, inclusive, and high-performing work environment.
What you'll bring:
- You have a tertiary qualification in horticulture, agriculture, plant science, food science, or a related discipline
- Experienced in research, laboratory, technical, quality, or horticultural environments
- Strong analytical capability and a commitment to scientific accuracy and data integrity
- The ability to communicate technical information in practical terms
- A passion for innovation, technology, and continuous improvement
- Previous experience leading or coordinating a team is desirable.
- Eligibility to work in New Zealand and the ability to pass pre-employment checks
What we offer:
- The chance to work alongside experts in orcharding, post-harvest, research, and development
- The opportunity to influence harvest outcomes through science, data, and innovation
- A supportive environment where new ideas and continuous improvement are encouraged
- Exposure to leading horticultural research, technology, and industry partnerships
If you want to be part of a business that delivers world-class science and technical capability alongside world-class apples, then we'd love to hear from you!
Why work at Mr Apple Careers site
- Culture: Strong emphasis on being “one team,” with values of integrity, respect, diversity, and continuous improvement. The company celebrates difference and fosters a sense of belonging.
- Work Environment: Based in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, with roles spanning orchards, packhouses, coolstores, and a business support office in Whakatu. Roles range from hands-on seasonal work to professional careers in IT, finance, sales, marketing, logistics, and people & culture.
- Growth & Development: Strong commitment to “always growing” — both apples and people. The company invests in training and career development across all teams.
- Diversity & Inclusion: Actively embraces a richly diverse team, with a significant RSE programme bringing workers from Pacific nations. The Head of People & Culture leads a dedicated Health & Safety & Wellbeing team.
- Work Arrangement: On-site roles based in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. Roles span seasonal/casual (packhouse, orchard, coolstore) to permanent professional positions (IT, finance, sales, marketing, HR).
- Notable Perks: Being part of a globally recognised brand; working in a beautiful region; opportunity to work across the full apple supply chain; strong focus on employee wellbeing and pastoral care for seasonal workers.