Automation & Production Manager

What does a typical day in your role look like?

During harvest, I’m involved in packing operations—providing guidance and support to Line Managers, Camera Operators, and other staff to ensure the smooth running of our packing line. This includes troubleshooting issues with the sizer, camera grading system, or automation systems. I also manage NIR Grading for Hume Pack, overseeing model development and ensuring we maximise grower returns when using NIR.

Out of season, I focus on dashboarding and reporting to help streamline and automate processes, as well as planning for the upcoming season.

How did you get into this role?

I started in the kiwifruit industry in 2008 in a Technical Support role at a packhouse lab, doing maturity testing and crop selection for CA storage. Outside of harvest, I worked on orchards doing soil and leaf testing, fertiliser recommendations, pruning assessments, Kiwigreen monitoring, and later, Psa monitoring and removal.

This led to a role at KVH as an Operations Advisor, supporting growers and packhouses with best practice advice for managing Psa. After KVH, I returned to post-harvest as an Invision Camera Operator and gradually built up my skills in post-harvest systems and automation. Over the past 10 years, I’ve led multiple projects installing and running camera grading and automation systems.

Did you need to study for this role, if so, what did you study?

I have a BSc majoring in Horticultural Science and a Certificate in Sustainable Nutrient Management.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

The variety. Every day is different and brings new challenges, which keeps the role interesting and engaging.

What’s something unique, surprising, or fun about your role or team?

I had the opportunity to run a blueberry packing operation for two seasons, which was a fun and unique experience.

What advice would you give someone interested in your role or career path?

The more you can learn about the industry as a whole, the better. A broad understanding will help you succeed and open up more opportunities.