AI Specialist

Kō wai mātou? Who are we?

Zespri is more than simply the world's single-largest marketer of kiwifruit. We like to think of ourselves as fruit on a mission and as rebels with a cause: to help people, communities and the environment around the world thrive through the goodness of kiwifruit. We are proudly the world's largest marketer of kiwifruit, selling kiwifruit in more than 50 countries. We work with around 2,800 New Zealand and 1,500 international growers and post-harvest companies to source the best-quality Zespri Kiwifruit which we supply through our distribution partners to wholesale and retail customers. We are one of New Zealand's best-known international brands, dedicated to creating sustainable long-term value for growers.

He aha te mahi? What's the role?

Based in Aprilia or Bologna, the AI Specialist plays a critical role in turning the data foundation into predictive insight and intelligent automation across the value chain for the Northern Hemisphere of Production (NHS). The role designs, develops, deploys, and maintains AI models with machine learning, deep learning, and Earth Observation (EO) at their core to deliver ZGS Data Strategy Activities and to create tangible value across the NHS value chain, from orchard to packhouse to market. Working within the broader Zespri digital Team, the role executes and supports the achievement of the ZGS Data Strategy into business as usual via direct collaboration with ZGS cross-functional teams.

Please note that this is a 12‑month fixed-term opportunity.

Accountabilities:

AI/ML Solution Development & Deployment:

• Design, build, deploy and maintain production-ready AI/ML models.
• Establish and formalise AI/ML protocols, including model versioning, experiment tracking, and validation standards.
• Support MLOps practices: monitoring, retraining pipelines and production deployment.

Earth Observation & Remote Sensing:

• Develop geospatial models and classification models using remote sensing and computer vision techniques.
• Develop, maintain, and enhance geospatial datasets, maps, and dashboards using geospatial tools (e.g. ArcGIS, QGIS, or similar platforms).
• Apply remote sensing foundation models to satellite imagery, working across the EO / geospatial stack and satellite data catalogues (e.g. openEO, Copernicus / Sentinel).
• Surface Earth Observation insights through user-facing tools.
• Ensure geospatial data governance, accuracy, and integration with enterprise systems.

Experimentation & Upskilling

• Drive experimentation with emerging capabilities, new EO modalities, AI/ML, foundation models, and open-source tools that could step-change ZGS performance.
• Act as a ZGS reference point on AI/ML trends, ethics and governance.
• Contribute to the NHS data & AI literacy programme through workshops, demos and documentation. 

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Ko wai koe? Who are you?

The ideal candidate is a high-potential, graduate-level position forming the backbone of the NHS Digital Automation & Intelligence Unit, combining strong academic grounding in AI with hands-on delivery in university projects or internship activities in real-world companies. You will also fulfill the following criteria:

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Remote Sensing or a related discipline.
• Hands-on experience in developing and deploying AI/ML
• Proficiency in Python and applying machine-learning fundamentals.
• Experience and skills in AI/ML and computer vision techniques.
• Working proficiency in English (written and spoken).
• Knowledge of LLM-based agents or tool-using systems (multi-step orchestration, prompt engineering for structured outputs) and RAG systems (vector databases, retrieval pipelines).

Good to have:

• Experience with GIS tools (e.g., QGIS) and spatial databases (e.g., PostGIS)
• Experience with Remote sensing foundation models (e.g. Terramind)

He aha e tika ai a Zespri? Why Zespri?

Our people are what makes our culture so irresistible and uniquely Zespri. We are a passionate and mighty team of 850+ employees in 23 different locations globally. Working at Zespri is an opportunity to join a fast-paced, culture-driven environment unlike any other. We want people who share our values of making it happen, creating real connections, and leaving a legacy. Join us in shaping our future and be part of a truly unique organisation.
 

• Competitive base salary of between EUR39,000 and EUR49,500. Please note that individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies, performance and work location.
• FlexWELL flexible work ethos; WFH & the office.
• 22 days of Annual Leave
• Life & Permanent Disablement insurance 
• Additional paid annual leave day per year (Zespri Day).
• Meal allowance

Tono mai inaianei! Apply Now! Applications close 28 July 2026

At Zespri, we understand the importance of diverse perspectives and experiences, and a fair hiring process is the first step to getting there. We want to attract a diverse range of people and encourage everyone from all backgrounds and walks of life to apply. Please let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments to take part in the recruitment and selection process by reaching out to our Talent Acquisition team via email at careers@zespri.com.

Agency

Zespri will not accept applications or contact from any temporary staffing agency, placement service or professional recruiter for this vacancy (“Agency”).

Where Zespri requires the support of an agency to fulfil a vacancy, we will proactively seek this support from our network of Agencies.  We respectfully ask that you do not contact Zespri or any of its affiliates/employees regarding vacancies, and reserve the right not to reply.

Zespri will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any fees, commissions or other payments related to such unsolicited resumes.