Are you:

• A hands-on leader with a strong background in operations?
• Excited by high-growth opportunities, with a proven track record of delivering results?
• Able to turn strategy and big ideas into operational reality?
• Passionate about building a high-performing, purpose-driven team culture?

We are looking for a proactive, strategic, and grounded General Manager to lead AWA Nursery through its next phase of growth and transformation. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact as a leader with the opportunity to deliver high growth results.

About us

AWA Nursery has supported Auckland’s gardeners, landscaping professionals, and the general public for over 20 years through direct wholesale trees, plants and greenery. 

Located in Waimauku, AWA Nursery spans over 9 hectares of plant production and plays a central role in the wider Kings Plant Barn group following the strategic acquisition of AWA in 2018. With the growing development nature of Auckland, there is huge growth and capacity opportunities for the business. Further to this, AWA is also a key part of Kings Plant Barn's internal supply chain and future growth strategy.

Following the recent consolidation of our South Auckland nurseries into the AWA site, we're focused on increasing productivity, improving systems, and growing sustainably, all while staying connected to our long-term customers and the local community.

The role

We’re looking for a driven, strategic and inspiring General Manager to lead AWA Nursery, with a focus on high growth, operational and financial performance, strong team leadership, and long-term strategic and commercial execution.

Beyond overseeing, this role involves getting involved, understanding the day-to-day, and driving transformation at every level. You’ll be responsible for a broad scope: plant production, retail operations, and B2B sales.

You’ll work closely with the CEO and leadership team, playing a key role in the development of strategy, ensuring that performance targets are met, leading a culture of accountability and wellbeing, and ensuring our values are lived and felt across the business.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the strategic direction and daily operations of AWA Nursery, ensuring continued growth and commercial success.
• Develop and drive new growth opportunities with the commercial and operational plan to deliver.
• Drive continuous improvement through strong systems, scalable processes, and clear KPIs.
• Mentor and develop the team, building a culture of openness, ownership, and performance.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align nursery operations with broader business goals.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers and partners.
• Maintain a focus on safety, health, and well-being across all areas of the operation.

About you

You’re a driven and energetic leader who loves delivering growth opportunities. You’re a calm, clear thinking leader with the ability to lead in complex, fast-moving environments and you’re happy to roll your sleeves up and get amongst things daily. You’re just as comfortable on the nursery floor as in leadership discussions. While horticulture experience is a plus, what really matters is your ability to lead operationally, strategically and culturally.

You'll bring:

• Proven leadership experience in operations, with a strong understanding and experience of commercial and financial performance.
• Energy and drive to deliver high-growth opportunities, with a proven track record of delivering results.
• A track record of leading teams through change and growth.
• Strategic thinking matched with action and delivery. 
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, particularly in B2B environments.
• Operations & Financial thinking  – you understand and love all things operations and how to make numbers work. From sales through to EBITDA you’re comfortable with delivering the right operational actions to drive the best possible P&L outcome.
• A values-led approach – integrity, resilience, and down to earth leadership.
• Ideally, you have experience in operations, production, logistics, manufacturing or nursery operations.

Why join us?

This is a rare opportunity to take the lead of a significant horticultural business with deep roots and strong growth ambitions. If you’re looking for a role where you can make a genuine impact – on people, performance, and purpose – we’d love to hear from you.

Ready to grow with us? Apply now and be part of the next chapter for AWA Nursery.

Get in touch with Hamish to learn more about this opportunity: [email protected]

Apply For This Job