The Career Pathways
An operations manager oversees a company’s administration and overarching business practices.
Their goal is to maximise efficiency and streamline processes.
It is important the operations manager works closely with the company executives including the finance manager to ensure the lowest operating cost and highest profit.
Operations Manager, Patane Produce, Western Australia
Lauren Patane
Q&A with Lauren Patane
Could you talk us through what your job entails on a daily basis?
I do whatever needs to be done. Some days, I am on a forklift, and other days, I am in the office doing administrative work. I oversee high-level quality assurance, manage the shed staff, and ensure that the sheds are operating as needed. My role involves overseeing multiple aspects of the operation.
Have you always been in this role on the farm, or did you start somewhere and work your way up?
I started working here when I left school over the summer holidays before starting university. Initially, I worked in reception, handling administrative tasks such as daily paperwork and stocktakes. It was mostly basic-level admin work.
While at university, I worked part-time as well. Since we are only an hour and a half from Perth, I would drive home and work two days a week, doing more administrative tasks, costings, and some quality assurance work.
When I first came home from university, I managed our broccoli packing shed, working there every day on a forklift. Over time, I gradually took on more responsibilities and got involved in different areas of the business. That is how I ended up in my current role—I just kept taking on more and more tasks.
While at university, I worked part-time as well. Since we are only an hour and a half from Perth, I would drive home and work two days a week, doing more administrative tasks, costings, and some quality assurance work.
When I first came home from university, I managed our broccoli packing shed, working there every day on a forklift. Over time, I gradually took on more responsibilities and got involved in different areas of the business. That is how I ended up in my current role—I just kept taking on more and more tasks.
What advice would you give to young people who are considering a career in horticulture but do not know where to start or do not know much about the industry?
It sounds simple, but do not be afraid to jump in.
I know so many horticultural businesses are looking for young people who want to work. If you have a strong work ethic, are interested in learning, and are willing to put in the effort, just put your hand up. Most businesses would welcome you with open arms and say, "Come on in."
I have a university degree, but you definitely do not need one. There are so many training opportunities available, including on-the-job training, internships, traineeships, and apprenticeships. You can gain all the skills you need within a horticultural business.
Additionally, whatever career path you want to take, you can find a role for it in horticulture. There are opportunities in accounting, marketing, sales, mechanical work, and many other areas.
As I mentioned before, my different roles over the years have allowed me to learn a little bit of everything, and that experience has led me to where I am today.
I know so many horticultural businesses are looking for young people who want to work. If you have a strong work ethic, are interested in learning, and are willing to put in the effort, just put your hand up. Most businesses would welcome you with open arms and say, "Come on in."
I have a university degree, but you definitely do not need one. There are so many training opportunities available, including on-the-job training, internships, traineeships, and apprenticeships. You can gain all the skills you need within a horticultural business.
Additionally, whatever career path you want to take, you can find a role for it in horticulture. There are opportunities in accounting, marketing, sales, mechanical work, and many other areas.
As I mentioned before, my different roles over the years have allowed me to learn a little bit of everything, and that experience has led me to where I am today.
You might also like