Manager Independent Supply NZ

Here at T&G Global we're passionate about growing healthier futures. Our story began 125 years ago and today our 2,000 people are located in 13 countries, where we grow, market, sell and distribute high-quality fresh produce to customers in more than 60 countries.

Our mindsets are: Do the Mahi, Be Bold, One Team & Take Good Care. Our talented team members embody these mindsets and are passionate about making a difference at T&G.

About The Opportunity

At T&G, our story is growing. We're looking for a commercially savvy relationship leader to take ownership of our Independent Supply Strategy across New Zealand and help shape the future of our apple supply network.

As Manager, Independent Supply NZ, you'll lead a portfolio of key independent grower partnerships, ensuring T&G has a profitable, sustainable, and reliable supply of Premium apple varieties to meet future market demand.

This is a strategic leadership role where you'll combine commercial acumen, relationship management, forecasting capability, and long-term planning to drive supply growth and deliver value for both growers and T&G.

About The Role

Reporting to the Head of Enterprise Initiatives, you will lead the Independent Supply team and work closely with growers, Sales, Planning, Operations, Finance, R&D, Technical, and Quality teams to translate strategy into action.

You'll Be Responsible For

• Leading the execution of T&G's Independent Supply Strategy and long-term supply roadmap.
• Building and maintaining strong partnerships with key independent growers across New Zealand.
• Identifying new supply opportunities, grower partnerships, and regional development prospects.
• Managing strategic grower performance, commercial outcomes, and portfolio growth.
• Providing insights and recommendations on supply planning, forecasting, investment opportunities, and risk management.
• Leading crop forecasting and supply planning to ensure alignment with market demand.
• Driving continuous improvement in grower engagement, systems, processes, and data quality.
• Developing and coaching a high-performing team focused on delivering exceptional grower outcomes.

What You'll Bring

We're looking for a commercially minded leader who can build trusted relationships while balancing long-term strategy with operational execution.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience managing strategic customer, supplier, grower, or stakeholder relationships.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to assess opportunities, risk, and investment decisions.
• Experience developing and delivering strategic plans and programmes.
• Strong analytical, forecasting, and financial literacy skills.
• Excellent influencing, negotiation, and communication abilities.
• Experience leading teams and working across multiple business functions.
• Relevant qualification in Business, Commerce, Agriculture, Horticulture, or equivalent practical experience.

Desirable

• Horticulture, orchard, agricultural, or fresh produce industry experience.
• Understanding of apple production, orchard establishment, or production economics.
• Experience with crop forecasting, supply planning, grower networks, or regional development.
• Knowledge of grower partnerships, supply agreements, or post-harvest operations.
• Experience in apples or perennial horticulture.

Why Join T&G?

• Play a key role in shaping the future of New Zealand's apple industry.
• Influence long-term supply strategy and major commercial decisions.
• Work closely with industry-leading growers and stakeholders.
• Be part of an innovative, values-led organisation with a global footprint.
• Lead a capable team and make a lasting impact on T&G's growth journey.

If you're a strategic relationship builder with strong commercial capability and a passion for delivering results through partnerships, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now and help grow the future of T&G's Independent Supply network.

Proof of eligibility to work in New Zealand is required for all applicants and any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory drug test, driver licence check, and security check.

We want T&G to be a place where everyone is accepted, respected and celebrated for who they are – regardless of our similarities or differences. It’s essential that everyone can be themselves and thrive, and that together we create a diverse and vibrant workplace.

Our story began more than 125 years ago as Turners and Growers, a fruit auction business in Auckland. Today, as T&G, our fresh, delicious produce nourishes people in more than 60 countries around the world. Together, we’re united in growing healthier futures.