Relationship Manager

Role Overview

Join T&G Global Limited as a Grower Relationship & Supply Partner on our Independent Supply team based in Hawke's Bay or Nelson. This role involves managing and strengthening relationships with strategic independent growers, securing future produce supply, and identifying new business opportunities to support fresh produce growth in New Zealand's horticulture sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain trusted relationships with a portfolio of independent growers through clear account plans and regular reviews.
• Build a pipeline of prospective growers and future supply sources across growing regions.
• Identify opportunities for new plantings, fruit varieties, and additional supply by understanding grower development plans.
• Present a compelling commercial value proposition to both prospective and existing partners to foster long-term collaboration.
• Lead negotiations on supply agreements ensuring mutual benefits for growers and T&G.
• Analyze data including forecasts, yields, quality, and supply to support strategic commercial decisions.
• Conduct constructive discussions when supply issues arise, while preserving strong partnerships.
• Coordinate with Operations, Quality, Technical, Commercial, and Supply teams to resolve grower concerns effectively.
• Support future supply strategies including new variety plantings such as Joli.
• Leverage data, technology, and process improvements to streamline grower engagement and supply management.
• Innovate ways to enhance consistency and commercial focus in managing independent growers.

Candidate Profile

• Relationship-driven commercial operator with a passion for field engagement and opportunity identification.
• Background in agribusiness, horticulture, fresh produce, rural services, account or supplier management preferred.
• Ability to establish trust and develop long-term business partnerships.
• Skill in building and managing a prospective pipeline to grow supply networks.
• Proficient in negotiating and influencing outcomes without formal authority.
• Comfortable addressing unmet expectations or commitments constructively.
• Competent in using supply and performance data to inform decisions.
• Capable of managing priorities independently with strong follow-through.
• Experience balancing strategic discussions with practical daily operational challenges.

Experience & Qualifications

Applicants should ideally hold over five years of experience in relationship management, account management, or commercial stakeholder roles. Experience within agriculture, horticulture, fresh produce, or primary industries is advantageous but not mandatory. Relevant qualifications in horticulture, agribusiness, business, or supply chain disciplines are helpful but equivalent industry experience will be considered.

Location and Work Environment

Preference is given to candidates residing in or near Hawke's Bay or Nelson to facilitate regular travel to orchards and grower sites. This role is suited to individuals who enjoy fieldwork rather than being office-based.

Diversity and Inclusion

T&G Global values diversity and inclusion, fostering an environment where all employees can thrive and be their authentic selves. Proof of eligibility to work in New Zealand and successful background checks are required for employment.