Emma Thomas

(Seasonal)

• Achieving the CCP6 (Critical Control Point) qualification required to export kiwifruit. Complying with the correct the procedures (ranging from product security to quality control).
• Communicating with exterior corporations, ensuring that the NZ/international market standards are met.
• Navigating/ controlling cool storage temperatures to maximise the fruit potential and sustain quality requirements from orchard to consumer.
• Working well amongst a team. Ensuring a positive atmosphere is maintained within the dynamic.
• I’ve acquired software knowledge specific, but not limited to electronic load outs.

The ultimate success when exporting fruit is customer satisfaction. To achieve this, its important the many components within the process are well understood and appreciated.

This role consist of both independent and team work therefore, maintaining strong relationships with my coworkers is very important to me. I’m respectful when receiving and/or distributing tasks and respond well to suggestions of any sorts. I have excellent communication skills which is not only beneficial amongst my team but also when conversing with exterior operations (transport/export/logistics).

When packing a product of high demand, time management skills are essential. I work well under pressure and understand the importance of prioritising tasks appropriately. I’m adaptable when presented with unknown situations and can problem solve whilst maintaining a calm demeanour and positive attitude!

(I have obtained this role in both the apple and kiwifruit facility’s. Both positions have similar foundations, although each require a vastly different range of knowledge)

(Seasonal)

• Clearly demonstrating various tasks for a range of different groups of people. Followed by providing ongoing training and support to ensure the team is meeting company standards.
• Establishing good connections within the team dynamic.
• Understanding the health and safety procedures and ensuring others do too. Being aware of the multiple risk factors involved in orchard/farm work and reporting any dangers to avoid unnecessary accidents.
• Recording the daily hours worked by each staff member, including my own.

My goal is to achieve a harmonious working environment where others feel comfortable approaching me to vocalise any questions, queries or concerns. When confronted with an issue I use initiative to seek a favourable solution as effectively as possible. I use my team leadership skills when working alongside everybody, ultimately enhancing the overall productivity by setting the standard for quality and pace.

Before being trained as a supervisor I worked numerous general jobs within the orchard. This included:

• Grafting young kiwifruit trees
• Pollinating
• Amending irrigation
• General cleaning
• Working amongst the outdoor kiwifruit team in preparation for harvesting.

Outside of my supervisor duties I tend to find myself investing in one of these activities. All of which I thoroughly enjoy.

Thomas Bros Ltd is my family business with my father and uncle being the ‘Thomas Brothers’. Therefore, I have a huge appreciation for the company along with a sense of pride for any contribution I can make in support to my family. I understand it may appear convenient that my working career merely consists of family employment. However, despite other career desires, I fell involve with the horticulture environment and particularly the one that I call home!

(Seasonal)

• Working with a team in a very high demand environment.
• Delivering excellent service, speaking with customers and addressing their needs.
• Using strong sales initiative whilst demonstrating clear knowledge of the product.
• Ensuring the team maintained high standards of health/hygiene at all times.
• Exercising time-management and multi-tasking.

To exceed customer expectations I understand the team needs to be running like a ‘well-oiled machine’.

I communicate respectively between both costumers and staff and will lead by example with my productivity.