• Enjoy the best of rural living in the heart of Central Hawke’s Bay
• Make a lasting impact on the next generation of farmers
• Combine people leadership, education and practical agriculture

To read more about the position and business structure please visit – https://bit.ly/4kMnA39

Your Role

As the Cadet Learning & Experience Manager, you will lead the Smedley Station Cadet Programme, overseeing the full cadet journey from recruitment and onboarding through to training, development and graduation. You will design and deliver a structured learning programme that combines practical farming experience with education and industry learning pathways.

You will also lead cadet wellbeing, pastoral care and performance, while building strong relationships with education providers, industry organisations, cadet families and the wider agricultural sector. Working alongside the Station Manager, you will provide leadership to the programme support team, oversee its day-to-day operations and drive continuous improvement to ensure a positive, supportive and rewarding cadet experience.

What You’ll Bring:

• Proven leadership experience in education, training, people management or a similar environment, ideally within the agricultural sector.
• Experience developing and coordinating learning programmes, training initiatives or youth development programmes.
• Strong people skills, with the ability to build relationships, engage stakeholders and support the development and wellbeing of young people.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and oversee multiple aspects of a programme.
• Sound understanding of pastoral care, performance management, HR practices and health and safety requirements.
• Strong communication skills, with confidence engaging with cadets, families, education providers and industry stakeholders.
• A proactive, adaptable and solutions-focused approach, with sound judgement, integrity and professionalism.
• A relevant tertiary qualification and current full NZ Driver Licence. A First Aid Certificate would also be advantageous.

What’s on Offer

• Opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction and ongoing success of the organisation.
• Broad leadership and management experience across operational, financial and organisational functions.
• Opportunity to build relationships with a range of stakeholders and industry professionals.
• Professional development and opportunities to expand leadership capabilities.
• Varied and rewarding role with the ability to make a meaningful impact.
• Opportunity to contribute to long-term planning, governance and organisational development.
• Based in Tikokino, Central Hawke’s Bay, offering a rural lifestyle in a peaceful country setting while remaining within reach of Waipukurau and surrounding townships.
• Accommodation provided in a comfortable three-bedroom home.

About Smedley Station

Smedley Station has a proud history of developing the next generation of New Zealand farmers, dating back to 1919 when Josiah Howard gifted the property to the Crown to provide practical farming training for young people. Its purpose remains to deliver an exceptional training environment that combines hands-on farming experience with high standards of commercial farm performance.

Located in Tikokino, Central Hawke’s Bay, Smedley spans 5,600 hectares across four farming blocks, running approximately 30,000 stock units. With more than 90 years of cadet training experience, Smedley continues to play an important role in developing skilled, capable and future-focused people for the agricultural industry.

Hit APPLY or call Rural Directions on 06 871 0450 for a confidential chat.

Applications close Sunday 6 December 2026. However, applications will be reviewed as they are received, so we encourage you to apply now!

Only job seekers who have NZ working rights will be eligible for this role.