Are you a visionary leader ready to elevate a trusted New Zealand brand to new heights? Farmlands – Te Whenua Tāroa, a cornerstone of rural communities and agriculture, is seeking an exceptional Head of Brand and Communications to lead our brand strategy and communications team from our Christchurch base.

• Lead a purpose-driven brand that supports New Zealand’s rural communities and agriculture.
• Work within a values-led organisation that champions diversity, creativity, and collaboration.
• Opportunity to shape the future of a beloved co-operative and make a tangible impact on the land and people of Aotearoa.
  

Mō te whai waahi | About the opportunity

As a pivotal member of Farmlands’ senior leadership team, you will own and drive the enterprise-wide brand and communications strategy, shaping the future of this trusted New Zealand co-operative. Reporting to the General Manager – Marketing and Customer Engagement, you will lead the protection and growth of Farmlands’ brand architecture, enhancing awareness and delivering impactful communications across diverse stakeholders.

You’ll inspire and guide a talented team, fostering a customer-centric culture that reinforces exceptional shareholder and customer experiences. Your leadership will champion innovation and agility in a dynamic brand and communications landscape.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive brand strategy that strengthens market presence and brand equity across multiple business units and channels, including exclusive, nutrition, and private label brands.
• Influence business growth, customer engagement, and shareholder value through strategic brand leadership.
• Lead all communications functions, including media relations, internal and stakeholder engagement, crisis management, and shareholder communications.
• Oversee sponsorship and events strategies, managing budgets to maximize brand impact through creative partnerships.
• Build and mentor a high-performing, accountable team focused on innovation and measurable results.
• Collaborate with leadership to ensure brand initiatives align with Farmlands’ vision and business goals, maintaining clear and consistent messaging.

Mōhou ake | About you

You are an accomplished senior leader with a proven track record of managing brand and communications functions in large, complex organisations. Your strategic mindset, commercial acumen, and stakeholder influence enable you to lead transformational change and position the brand for sustained success. An entrepreneurial mindset fuels your passion for innovation and continuous improvement. 

Experience in retail or rural sectors is highly desirable, along with tertiary qualifications in a relevant field.

If you are a dynamic, strategic leader ready to take on a pivotal role in a respected New Zealand organisation, we want to hear from you.

Mō ngā painga | About the benefits

You'll be rewarded with:

• Competitive remuneration to ensure you're fairly paid for your awesome mahi
• Flexible work arrangements including work from home options
• Generous leave benefits including Rā whānau paid birthday leave, parental leave (10 weeks primary carer, 2 weeks partner), leave purchase opportunities, and extended Christmas and Easter shutdowns
• Best gadgets in Biz – best tools of trade so you can be your best (Phone and Laptop upgrades to keep you mobile).
• Exclusive Farmlands shareholding offer with substantial discounts through Card Partners
• Staff discounts at Farmlands Retail Stores
• Employee referral bonus programme
• Supportive workplace culture with free parking, pet-friendly office, and wellbeing-focused sick leave from day one
• Access to continuous learning and development via our online training library, The Greenhouse
• Awesome people – where doing best for our people and our land is contagious!

Te Tono | How to apply

Apply now to lead Farmlands’ brand and communications into the future — where your leadership will cultivate growth, connection, and success for all New Zealanders connected to the land. 

Applications close: 29 June 2025

Mō matou | About us

At Farmlands Te Whenua Tāroa, New Zealand’s largest farming co-operative, we’re driven by three core values: Be You, Minds Open, and See It Through. We support NZ farmers and growers to boost profitability and productivity, aiming to be the trusted partner for everyone connected to the land.

With over 1,200 team members across 80+ locations, we offer diverse operations - from retail and feed production to ecommerce and fuel. Join us to be part of a Kiwi-owned brand that values your uniqueness, creativity, and teamwork in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.

Please note that the successful candidate will have to go through pre-employment checks before starting with us at Farmlands. These will include two references from your two most recent managers, a Ministry of Justice Check, proof of your right to work in New Zealand, a driver’s licence check and an ACC background check. For certain roles a drug and alcohol test, credit check and AML check may be required.