Assistant Harvest Manager - Riverland

Costa’s Citrus operations in the heart of the Riverland, South Australia, are seeking an Assistant Harvest Manager to support the smooth and efficient management of the harvest on our largest farm in the region, located just outside of Paringa, SA. This hands-on leadership role is critical in ensuring the successful coordination of a large, diverse workforce, maintaining high fruit quality standards, and driving efficiency across all aspects of harvest operations.

If you are a proactive leader with strong organisational skills, a passion for managing people, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, this is an opportunity to be part of a high-energy team at the heart of one of Australia’s largest citrus operations.

What You'll Do:

Reporting to the Harvest Manager, you will assist with leading and coordinating a large, diverse harvest workforce, ensuring efficient operations, high fruit quality, and compliance with safety standards. This role requires strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee direct employees and labour hire contractors, ensuring teams are trained, engaged, and working safely.
• Plan and manage picking, transport, and logistics, maintaining schedules and efficiency while ensuring fruit quality.
• Maintain clear communication with farm management, agronomists, trucking contractors, harvest administration, and corporate support teams to ensure seamless operations.
• Enforce strict quality control measures and maintain accurate harvest records, including bin counts and worker performance.
• Ensure compliance with workplace health and safety policies, promptly addressing incidents, injuries, and risks.
• Identify and implement ways to enhance productivity, workforce efficiency, and operational effectiveness.

What You'll Bring:

• A valid Australian Drivers License 
• Certificate in Horticulture (desirable but not essential).
• Practical experience in horticulture, agriculture, or harvest management.
• Proven leadership skills in managing large, diverse teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with a multicultural workforce, supervisors, and stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities, with the ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions.
  
• A commitment to safety and compliance with workplace policies.
• Current licenses for mobile equipment, included forklifts (desirable).
• Intermediate Microsoft Excel and Word proficiency.
• Applicants must have full and unrestricted work rights in Australia. Sponsorship is not available for this role.
  

Key Challenges:

• Coordinating a large, diverse workforce made up of direct employees and labour hire contractors, many of whom speak English as a second language.
• Balancing operational efficiency and fruit quality under tight deadlines and changing environmental conditions.
• Ensuring clear communication and engagement across multiple stakeholders, including supervisors, agronomists, farm managers, and external contractors.
• Maintaining strong workforce morale, productivity, and motivation across peak harvest periods with high workloads and demanding schedules.
• Addressing operational challenges in real-time, from workforce shortages to equipment breakdowns, to ensure seamless harvest operations.

What We Offer:

A pivotal leadership role in one of Australia’s largest citrus operations.

• Opportunities for career development with clear succession planning in a dynamic and growing industry.
• A competitive salary and benefits package.
• A supportive and flexible team environment, working closely with key stakeholders across the business.

Why Costa:

At Costa, we’re not just growing produce—we’re growing futures.

As Australia’s leading grower, packer, and marketer of fresh produce, we take pride in delivering premium quality citrus, avocados, berries, mushrooms, and tomatoes to customers across Australia and beyond. Our success is built on innovation, sustainability, and the dedication of our people.

Costa’s Riverland citrus operations are at the heart of one of Australia’s most renowned citrus-growing regions. With 2,500 hectares of citrus orchards across six farms, two state-of-the-art packing sheds, and up to 1,000 seasonal staff, we grow, pack, market, and export directly from the Renmark region—ensuring the freshest produce reaches customers worldwide.

Working at Costa means being part of a dynamic, supportive team where you’ll have access to industry-leading benefits, career development opportunities, and a workplace that values your contribution. From competitive pay and wellbeing programs to a culture of learning and growth, we ensure our people are supported every step of the way.

Join us and be part of a company that values innovation, sustainability, and the people who make it all possible.

Ready to apply?

To learn more or to have a confidential discussion about this role, please reach out to Kaylee Carlson, HR Manager - Riverland at kaylee.carlson@costagroup.com.au

Please note that we will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews on a rolling basis, and shortlisting may occur prior to the advertised closing date. 

Costa is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.