Harvest & Engineering Manager

|Industrial & Energy - Management|New Zealand

There’s a lot going on in New Zealand’s forestry sector right now, and for the right person, that’s an opportunity. This is a management role sitting at the heart of a forestry operation – harvesting, roading, dispatch, wood flow, and contractor management all land on your desk. If you’ve done the yards in the industry and are ready to own a broader remit, this is worth a look.

The Role
Based in the Masterton region, you’ll be managing the day-to-day forest harvest production and engineering operations across a sizeable forestry estate. You’ll work closely with established contracting crews, coordinate dispatch and wood flow, and keep operations running to plan. Expect to spend the majority of your time out in the forest, with office time concentrated around planning, reporting, and monthly payments.
 
Responsibilities Include:

  • Taking ownership of forest production – driving performance against daily, monthly, and annual targets
  • Managing harvesting operations across multiple crews – coordinating daily wood flow, dispatch, and log delivery schedules to meet customer specifications on volume, quality, and timing
  • Primary point of contact for contractors; day-to-day relationship management is central to this role
  • Managing all aspects of contracting for service – performance, compliance, cost efficiency, and contract renewals
  • Managing all roading and earthworks operations – including road construction planning, civil works, quality audits, and maintenance programmes
  • Entering harvest and engineering plans into GIS; contributing to annual budgets, KPI reporting, and medium to long-term production planning

Ideal Experience

  • Solid harvesting background – you’ve worked in the industry, you know how it operates on the ground
  • Proven ability to manage strong personalities and maintain productive working relationships under pressure
  • Previous contractor management experience – you’re confident and can hold your own with experienced contractors
  • Sound understanding of log procurement, wood flow, and dispatch operations
  • Experience with roading or earthworks operations is advantageous
  • A tertiary qualification in forestry or related discipline is preferred
  • Familiarity with GIS or forestry mapping systems

The Company
A New Zealand forestry business managing a significant estate in the Wairarapa region, with operations spanning harvesting, roading, and wood processing. The business has a strong local presence, with international backing, and is well-positioned for continued growth. You’ll operate in a small and dedicated team of six, reporting directly to the GM of Forests.
 
What’s in It for You?

  • Personalised professional development opportunities – multiple ways to grow
  • Company vehicle
  • Free Medical insurance
  • Free EAP services
  • Workplace savings scheme (on top of Kiwisaver contributions)
  • Standby roster with days in lieu for public holidays
  • Relocation assistance available for the right candidate

This role requires New Zealand residency or a valid working visa.
 
For a confidential discussion, please reach out to Bethany Craigen on +64 4 282 1563, email bethany@trs.co.nz

Technical Recruitment Solutions has been New Zealand’s trusted recruitment specialist for industry since 1996.
All our jobs are listed at www.trs.co.nz
#SCR-bethany-craigen