With a varied career from Print to Production Management, and Project Management to Construction Management, hear how Jonathan Robinson has applied his skillset at Farmlands.

What did you want to do when you left school?

I studied IT / Computer Sciences at AUT and couldn't get a job until my cousin's partner said that they were looking for a general hand at a printing business. I thought I would stay for six months and ended up staying 11 years. Over the course of my career I've completed a Diploma in Project Management, an Advanced Diploma in Construction Management and I am currently finishing my Bachelor's in Applied Management and learning Spanish.

Tell us about your career to date.

I've had a really varied career to date, starting as a general hand in a print business, then prepress / graphic design, then production / operations manager for a printing business.  I started in the print industry initially only to get work experience but ended up staying for 11 years, moving to Sydney, Australia with them.

After 9 or so years in Sydney I moved to Brisbane and worked as a Production Manager for an creative studio for a public relations company. I then left and worked  for a signage / printing business of 20 employees which grew to be a building services provider with over 900 employees and did a lot of projects with retailers like SuperCheap Auto, Rebel Sport, Petbarn, Woolworths and Pillowtalk. I held a number of roles with this business from Project Manager through to General Manager. I did that for just over 11 years then I left and worked as a National Construction Manager building infant / toddler swimming centres around Australia.

After that I worked a Project Manager for a company designing, fabricating and installing public artwork around the world. I worked on projects that are installed throughout Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, Asia and the United Kingdom. It was a really interesting job, very challenging and it forced you to think outside the box how to achieve the artist intent while meeting the local engineering standards. 

What led you to Farmlands? 

I had planned on moving back to New Zealand. At the time I was not sure if I would move to Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch. I was told of a potential role at Farmlands by a friend and decided it sounded interesting and challenging so I applied for it.

How have you grown in your time with us at Farmlands? 

I've learnt a lot about the rural supply sector and the importance of companies like Farmlands for the rural communities we service.

I've also learnt much about property leasing which has been very challenging at times.

What are you most proud of and what do you most enjoy at Farmlands? 

When I started we had a lot of overdue leasing events which we have tidied up that took the best part of two years of work by a lot of different people and getting process around the lease renewals and rent reviews.

I'm really proud of our relationship with Agrecovery and working with them and a lot of people within Farmlands to get the small plastic bag recycling scheme off the ground and available for all of our customers to easily recycle small plastic bags.

I really enjoyed working on the Ashburton store when I first arrived, the recently opened Hawkes Bay Horticulture Hub, and the work being done by a number of people for new stores in New Plymouth and Hastings. I enjoy working with the people at Farmlands from the support office, stores and operational sites - I'm lucky I get to visit a lot of sites and interact with a large number of people throughout Farmlands which is great.

I'm excited about the growth of Farmlands. There are a lot of new stores in the pipeline which are close to being announced and will be really positive for the business overall.

What would your advice be for someone who's interested in a career in your area at Farmlands? 

I think a project management course is essential but also keeping an open mind and being willing to learn and do whatever is required.

It's about attitude and looking for the reasons to get the job done rather than excuses as to why it can not be done.

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