Business Systems & AI, Automation Lead

About the role Kauri Park is seeking an experienced and practical Systems and AI lead to help across all aspects of the company. This role has a clear focus on supporting the administrative team by helping build agents, reports and dashboards to streamline processes and provide accurate data to the teams. Your main focus will be automation development: building everyday automations that take repetitive work off people across the company, and custom AI agents and tools that sit over our systems for the administration team. You'll need a strong understanding of our systems, learn how each system is set up, how data flows between them and which data points matter, then help develop them further as our needs grow. You'll own what you build, keeping it running well and improving it over time. Key responsibilities We’re close to rolling out three new integrated platforms, to replace existing systems and to run the core of our ERP, Payroll, Manufacturing module, Project Management tool and Logistics Scheduler. With those foundations nearly in place, we need a hands-on developer to build on top of them and support the administrative team with ongoing development. Your main focus will be automation development: building everyday automations that take repetitive work off people across the company, and custom AI agents and tools that sit over our systems for the administration team. To do that well, you’ll need a strong understanding of our systems. The integrations between our platforms are being set up as part of the rollout, so you’ll learn how each system is set up, how data flows between them and which data points matter, then help develop them further as our needs grow. You’ll own what you build, keeping it running well and improving it over time. Design, build and maintain automations that streamline processes across the company Develop custom AI assistants/agent tools that sit over our core systems, such as an estimating tool, CRM note and activity automation, and a plant knowledge assistant Manage and improve ERP, CRM and operational systems, helping with dashboarding and reporting Identify opportunities for AI-driven automation and innovation Get to know our systems in depth, including how data flows between them, and help extend the integrations over time Build reports and dashboards that give teams accurate, timely data Support the implementation team through rollout, including testing, data checks and learning how each system is configured Look after the tools you build, and work with our platform vendors on any issues that affect them Work with department managers to understand how their teams work, spot opportunities and deliver in small, useful releases Document what you build and help staff adopt new tools About you Proven experience in automation development, building workflow automations with examples to provide A solid understanding of business systems, including how ERP, CRM and operational platforms are set up, fit together and share data Experience developing custom AI solutions, such as assistants/agents and applications, design and testing A good understanding of system integrations and data flows, with the ability to support and extend them Strong SQL and experience with dashboarding tools The ability to explain technical work in plain language to non-technical teams Ability to shape systems and translate business needs into workable solutions Excellent communication and collaboration skills Strong analytical and problem-solving capability Organised, structured workflow and habits Essential and Desirable Skills • Must have a deep understanding of the risks associated with AI, and company data. • Machine learning experience, such as building forecasting or predictive models. • Experience with cloud platforms. • Has a general background in IT, as a support to our IT team. Must be able to familiarize yourself with our hardware, should it be needed when managing systems and data. • Experience with TechnologyOne, simPRO or Evergreen Connect. • Exposure to an ERP implementation or process mapping. • A background in horticulture, construction, field services or logistics. • Ability to work with all department managers, in developing agents that support the business. • Honest and transparent with company data and information. • Team player - someone who embodies Kauri Park’s values. • Positive attitude and willingness to add value to the business. About us Kauri Park Group is New Zealand's largest wholesale native plant nursery and urban landscaping firm, with over 30 years of expertise in rejuvenating and regenerating landscapes into thriving ecosystems. Kauri Park consists of our Nursery, growing between 10-12 million plants annually, and our Projects landscaping operation servicing nationwide across a wide range of greenfield projects. We supply to a range of projects including roading, infrastructure developments, commercial landscapes, residential subdivisions, and large-scale restoration and wetland plantings. Our reputation is built on quality plants, reliable service, and project excellence — and we believe our people are our true point of difference. Benefits Competitive salary with further increases based on expertise Refreshments provided in office Company phone and laptop A leadership role with ownership and influence Innovative, forward-thinking team culture Ongoing training and development opportunities