- Lead farmer-owned deer velvet producer where relationships are key
- Drive growth - delivering a sustainable, reliable supply for export
- Focus on continuous improvement and performance
- Salary + vehicle
About the Company:
Provelco Ltd is a proud farmer owned company specialising in the production and export of premium New Zealand deer velvet antler. Based in Christchurch, the company has built a reputation as a stabilising influence in a growing sector, recognised for its long‑standing focus on quality, transparency, and strong supplier relationships.
With more than 120 members nationwide many of whom are industry leaders producing award‑winning velvet - Provelco is committed to ethical sourcing, animal welfare and environmental sustainability.
About The Role:
Reporting directly to the Board and Chair, the General Manager leads all aspects of Provelco’s operations, supplier engagement, commercial performance and strategic partnerships. This is a hands‑on, commercially focused leadership role responsible for maintaining and growing deep relationships with deer farmers nationwide, ensuring operational excellence throughout the peak season (October - March), and strengthening Provelco’s market position.
A key focus of the role is to grow supply- building meaningful trust‑based relationships with existing and new farmers, maintaining year‑round engagement, and leading seasonal pricing, negotiations and communication.
The General Manager also oversees the Wigram processing facility, ensuring production reliability, factory workflow, seasonal staffing and compliance across all regulated processing requirements.
Skills & Experience:
This is a role for a leader who is operational, commercially astute, relationship‑driven and motivated to support the company’s ongoing growth.
As the ideal candidate you will have deep understanding of, or experience in, the agri sector, particularly in roles requiring high‑trust, high‑touch frontline engagement with farmers.
Commercially strong, and with a focus on continuous improvement, you will be experienced running lean operations, managing full P&L. Confident making decisions in a challenging export environment, your focus will be on sustainable growth.
You will also bring an understanding of regulated processing environments and the operational realities of seasonal production.
Hands‑on, pragmatic and self‑motivated, you will be comfortable working across the full spectrum of duties -from supplier engagement to supporting factory operations when required.
Previous experience in livestock, rural supply or similar agri‑commercial organisations will be an advantage. Exposure to Asian export markets would be beneficial.