Having recently been promoted from our Rolleston Mill to the role of Production Manager at the SealesWinslow Mill in Morrinsville , Hamish Readman reflects on his career with Farmlands and how he has grown and developed his skills. 

What did you want to do career-wise when you left school?

Truth be told I had no idea. I come from a family of teachers so the pressure to become one myself was high and I did consider it for a time but I liked working with my hands so something in the manufacturing sector was a good fit.

Tell us about your career to date.

While at university I worked part-time as a knife hand in a butcher shop and on weekends I drove a rickshaw taking people between the many clubs in the Christchurch CBD. Following that I worked in a bread factory for 4 years as a baker.

What led you to Farmlands? 

A couple guys at my local suggested I apply for a job with them as a Mill Hand for the busy season. I must have impressed them as after the busy season I was offered a full-time role and have been here ever since - 14 years and counting.

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

I think my biggest area of growth has been how I interact with the people around me, be they direct reports or the people I report to. In my younger years I was hesitant to make my voice heard, but as I have developed as a team member and a leader I now have the confidence in myself when making it known what I expect of my team, and have the courage to speak up and express my ideas with the leadership team.

What have been your key achievements / what are you most proud of at Farmlands? 

I think my biggest achievement to date is the fact that I have created a competent and engaged team who are all moving in the same direction, work really well together and can achieve great results - exactly what we want from a Farmlander. We have a very close team here at the Rolleston Mill, with most of the leadership team here having worked together for over a decade. Most started out as I did and have worked our way to our current positions. I have recently been promoted to Production Manager at SealesWinslow Morrinsville and am greatly looking forward to being challenged in my new role, overcoming new obstacles and continuing to perform and grow.

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

Having a mentor has helped greatly in the last few years. Also having someone with a vested interest in improving your career, developing your strengths, identifying your weaknesses and helping you grow in your career.

Interested in learning more about our Supply Chain team?

Check out our Supply Chain page for more details.

Interest in learning more about SealesWinslow?

Check out our SealesWinslow page for more details 

Interested in working with Hamish in the Supply Chain Team?

Connect with us on our careers site and check out our current Vacancies, or get in touch via careers@farmlands.co.nz.