---
title: 'Technical Team Leader at Mr Apple Careers site'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/technical-team-leader-mr-apple-careers-site-whakatu-a2kefvx1a984'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-10-15'
---

# Technical Team Leader at Mr Apple Careers site

- **Company:** Mr Apple Careers site
- **Location:** Whakatu, New Zealand
- **Posted:** 2026-09-28
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-15
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/mrapplecareers/jobs/5248981007

## Job description

Be part of a business that uses world-class technology and machinery to produce and deliver premium apples to the world.

We are currently looking for a 12-month Fixed-Term Technical Team Leader to join our busy and forward-thinking team at our Whakatu Packhouse Night Shift team.

What you'll be doing:

If you're technically minded, enjoy problem-solving, and thrive in a fast-paced environment, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. As the Technical Team Leader, you will play a key role in overseeing the operation of our technology and supporting the efficient flow of fruit through the packhouse. Working closely with Production, Quality, Staffing and Line Team Leaders, you'll help ensure product quality, production targets, and health and safety standards are achieved throughout the shift. Your day-to-day tasks will include:

- Operating and monitoring the Compac electronic sizer and associated systems
- Completing packhouse start-up and shutdown procedures, including calibrations and system checks
- Monitoring carton weight, fruit size and quality data to maximise production efficiency
- Working alongside the Quality Team to ensure grading and sampling requirements are met
- Managing run changes, batch setup and system configurations to support production plans
- Monitoring production volumes and fruit flow, adjusting staffing and equipment speeds as needed
- Recording downtime and coordinating maintenance requirements with Engineering teams
- Promoting a strong health and safety culture and ensuring safe work practices are always followed

What you'll bring:

- You communicate clearly and effectively with a wide range of people
- You're confident using computers and enjoy learning new technology and systems
- You are proactive with strong attention to detail
- Experience in a packhouse, manufacturing, production or technical operations environment would be advantageous
- You have a strong commitment to health and safety
- Must be able to work night shift and support operational requirements during peak season

What we offer:

- Opportunities to learn, grow and impact change
- Work with industry-leading packhouse technology and equipment
- Grow a career in horticulture within a supportive team
- Gain valuable leadership and technical experience in a fast-paced environment

If you want to be part of a business that uses world-class technology and machinery to produce and deliver premium apples to the world, then please apply now!

## About Mr Apple Careers site

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Mr Apple is New Zealand’s largest apple grower, packer, and exporter, responsible for exporting 25% of the country’s apple crop to over 45 countries worldwide.
- **Entity Type**: Private (subsidiary of Scales Corporation, a publicly listed company on the NZX under ticker SCL)
- **Headquarters**: Whakatu, Hastings, New Zealand
- **Founded**: 2001 (following the merger of the two largest apple growers after industry deregulation)
- **Founders**: Not publicly available (formed by merger of Grocorp Pacific Limited and another major grower)

## Core Business
- **Primary industry/industries**: Agriculture (apple growing, packing, and exporting)
- **Target customers**: B2B (international retailers, distributors, and wholesalers in over 45 countries)
- **Mission or purpose statement**: To grow safe, crunchy, and delicious apples, underpinned by a 5 Point Promise to customers. The company’s vision is built on values of being “one team,” embracing diversity, acting with integrity, owning change, and always growing.

## Products & Services
- **Mr Apple Apples**: Premium fresh apples grown in New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay region, exported to over 45 countries. The company manages the entire supply chain from orchard to coolstore to packhouse to customer.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not disclosed for Mr Apple directly. Parent company Scales Corporation (NZX: SCL) has a market cap of approximately NZD $500M–$600M (as of mid-2025).
- **Key Metric**: Exports 25% of New Zealand’s total apple crop annually.
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Part of Scales Corporation, a 120+ year old NZ agribusiness. Partners with Pacific governments and NZ agencies for the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) programme.
- **Growth Signals**: 2,000+ strong team; exports to 45+ countries; significant investment in automation and technology in packhouses; continuous innovation in apple growing and post-harvest handling.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Scale & Market Position**: Largest apple grower/packer/exporter in New Zealand, controlling a significant share of the country’s premium export crop.
- **Vertical Integration**: Manages the entire value chain from orchard to coolstore to packhouse to global customer, ensuring quality control at every step.
- **Innovation & Technology**: Leaders in apple innovation and technology, with a dedicated automation journey and a Head of Technology Delivery driving continuous improvement.
- **Brand & Reputation**: Strong global brand built on a 5 Point Promise of safety, crunch, and taste; trusted by retailers in 45+ countries.

## Strategic Focus
- **Automation & Technology**: Investing heavily in packhouse automation and IT systems to improve efficiency and quality.
- **Workforce & RSE Programme**: Deep commitment to the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) programme, building strong partnerships with Pacific governments and agencies to ensure a reliable, well-cared-for workforce.
- **Sustainability & Innovation**: Continuous improvement in apple varieties, growing techniques, and post-harvest handling to maintain premium market position.
- **Global Market Expansion**: Growing export presence across 45+ countries with a focus on modern retail and brand storytelling.

## Why Work Here
- **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.

## Sources
1. [mrapple.com - Our Story](https://www.mrapple.com/en/our-story)
2. [mrapple.com - Work With Us](https://www.mrapple.com/en/work-with-us)
3. [mrapple.com - Work With Us (Business Support)](https://www.mrapple.com/en/work-with-us/business-support)
4. [mrapple.com - Homepage](https://www.mrapple.com/en)
5. [greenhouse.io - Mr Apple Careers](http://job-boards.greenhouse.io/mrapplecareers)

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