JON VICTOR PHILLIPS
Palmerston North,MWT
Summary
Dynamic horticulture and agribusiness professional with a track record of enhancing operational performance and achieving significant sales milestones. Established a market gardening business that scaled to 22 employees and exceeded $2 million in annual turnover. Proven success in team leadership, sales strategy, and compliance management.
Overview
1
1
Certification
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner / Operator
Fresh Terraces Market Garden & Orchard
Palmerston North
01.2013 - Current
- Established and developed a successful commercial market gardening business supplying major New Zealand retailers. Built the operation from a single employee to a workforce of 18 full-time and 4 part-time staff, achieving annual sales exceeding $2 million.
- Achieved annual turnover exceeding $2 million.
- Established and expanded commercial growing operation to meet increasing demand.
- Grew the workforce from 1 employee to 22 staff.
- Maintained health and safety performance standards, ensuring compliance and worker well-being.
- Served as a key supplier to Woolworths and Foodstuffs throughout the COVID-19 period.
- Maintained NZGAP compliance for more than 10 years.
- Led transition from market gardening to orchard production systems, enhancing product variety and market reach.
- Focused on crop system optimisation, productivity improvements, and operational efficiency.
Branch Manager
Fresh Direct
Palmerston North
10.2023 - 03.2025
- Boosted sales margins and profitability through strategic initiatives.
- Directed branch operations, improving sales performance and streamlining staff management.
- Optimized staffing structures, increasing operational efficiency and supporting branch growth.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction and elevated service standards through targeted training and feedback.
- Reduced operational expenses by streamlining processes and resource allocation.
- Enhanced product quality outcomes through rigorous evaluation processes.
- Implemented health and safety improvements to ensure workplace compliance.
Produce Sales Representative
Turners & Growers (T&G Global)
01.2009 - 01.2013
- Managed key produce categories and customer relationships in New Zealand's produce sector, relocating to Christchurch to support South Island operations and drive sales of strategic product lines.
- Coordinated sales of carrots, potatoes, and onions, enhancing market presence and customer satisfaction.
- Oversaw apple and pear product lines across Lower South Island, ensuring alignment with regional demand and supplier capabilities.
- Maintained relationships with growers, suppliers, and customers.
- Delivered sales growth and service continuity during organisational transition.
Residential Sales Consultant
RE/MAX
Palmerston North
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Managed residential property sales across Palmerston North region, overseeing listings, appraisals, negotiations, and client relationships to drive successful sales outcomes.
- Conducted property appraisals and developed listings that effectively attracted potential buyers, enhancing market visibility.
- Facilitated residential property sales by guiding clients through the buying process.
- Developed client acquisition strategies and managed relationships to ensure satisfaction.
- Negotiated contracts and coordinated sales administration to facilitate smooth transactions and ensure client satisfaction.
- Responsibilities:
Maintenance Gardener / Team Leader
01.2004 - 01.2006
- Worked in commercial landscape and horticultural operations throughout the UK under a working visa. Held team leadership responsibilities and managed nursery operations supporting client contracts.
- Outlined team duties and tasks.
- Supervised a small maintenance crew.
- Managed nursery production and plant supply.
- Maintained commercial and residential landscapes.
- Coordinated daily operational activities and work programmes.
Assistant Nursery Manager
Oderings Nursery
01.2001 - 01.2004
- Progressed into a leadership role overseeing nursery operations, staff supervision, and product distribution throughout the North Island.
- Coordinated nursery staff and daily operations to ensure smooth workflow.
- Managed stock dispatch and logistics, optimizing delivery schedules.
- Supported retail branch supply requirements.
- Trained and supervised junior employees, enhancing team capability and service quality.
Education
Diploma - Commercial Horticulture
UCOL (Universal College of Learning)
Palmerston North, NZ01-1999
Skills
- Agribusiness & Horticulture Management
- Commercial Crop Production
- Operations & Logistics Coordination
- Supply Chain & Inventory Management
- Sales & Business Development
- Customer Relationship Management
- Team Leadership & Staff Development
- Health & Safety Management
- Strategic Planning & Process Improvement
- Budget & Cost Management
- Xero Accounting Software
- SAP Systems Experience
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Xero
Personal Information
Driving License: Full Class 1 Driver Licence, Full Class 2 Driver Licence
Certification
Current First Aid Certificate, Full Class 1 Driver Licence, Full Class 2 Driver Licence, Forklift Licence, Current Growsafe Certificate
Timeline
Branch Manager
Fresh Direct
10.2023 - 03.2025
Owner / Operator
Fresh Terraces Market Garden & Orchard
01.2013 - Current
Produce Sales Representative
Turners & Growers (T&G Global)
01.2009 - 01.2013
Residential Sales Consultant
RE/MAX
01.2007 - 01.2009
Maintenance Gardener / Team Leader
01.2004 - 01.2006
Assistant Nursery Manager
Oderings Nursery
01.2001 - 01.2004
Diploma - Commercial Horticulture
UCOL (Universal College of Learning)