Agricultural Recruitment Coordinator

About Mills Recruitment and the Role

Join Mills Recruitment and contribute to developing a new Agricultural Division based in Ashburton, Canterbury, New Zealand. Recognized as a leading specialist recruitment firm in Australasia, Mills partners extensively with large food manufacturers and dairy processors across New Zealand. The Agricultural Division aims to cover the entire agricultural supply chain — from farming through processing — serving farmers, growers, seed companies, and related agricultural businesses throughout Canterbury and nearby regions.

Reporting to the General Manager (NZ) and Principal Recruitment Consultant - Agriculture, you will be instrumental in establishing and growing the agricultural recruitment operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Recruit, interview, and onboard seasonal workers specializing in agricultural roles.
• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with farmers, growers, processors, and rural enterprises.
• Organize labour allocation for crop rouging, spraying assistance, harvest activities, and post-harvest processing.
• Lead, train, and mentor seasonal field teams, including hands-on leadership during peak times.
• Visit client sites regularly to assess workforce needs and ensure effective service delivery.
• Oversee company vehicles, trailers, equipment, and yard management.
• Ensure adherence to Health & Safety regulations and quality standards across multiple locations.
• Manage workforce planning, scheduling, and daily operational coordination.
• Work in close collaboration with clients to provide tailored labor solutions during farming seasons.
• Travel regionally within Mid Canterbury and Canterbury, and occasionally throughout New Zealand to support clients.

Candidate Profile

• Previous experience in agriculture, horticulture, agricultural contracting, or a related rural industry is preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership or team coordination capabilities.
• Confidence and ability to establish and nurture relationships with farmers and rural business owners.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Hands-on approach with a willingness to lead from the front in fieldwork.
• Good physical fitness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Must hold a valid Full New Zealand Driver Licence.
• Proficiency with computers and administrative tasks.

Prior recruitment experience is advantageous but not essential; the emphasis is on agricultural knowledge, relationship-building skills, and eagerness to learn.

What Mills Recruitment Offers

• Competitive salary package.
• Company-provided vehicle for work duties.
• Workphone and laptop supplied.
• Dynamic job involving office, farm, and field tasks.
• High level of autonomy and responsibility.
• Continuous professional development and mentoring.
• Opportunities to attend industry events and expand professional networks.
• Career advancement prospects within a rapidly growing New Zealand company.
• Supportive leadership valuing initiative, authenticity, and building strong relationships.

Additional Information

This role involves representing Mills Recruitment at agricultural field days, conferences, client functions, and other industry networking occasions to enhance company presence in New Zealand's vital agricultural sector.