Business Development Lead Europe

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?

The Business Development Lead is a senior, high-impact role that bridges long term strategy and operational execution in Europe. The role contributes to  executing the EU and Global Zespri Strategy, focusing on value-creating initiatives by leading complex, cross-functional projects across markets and functions.  Projects are cross functional, which require superior collaboration and communication skills.  The role must understand the business and work closely with the business execution teams.

Execute Strategy: 
- Work with the Head of Strategy & Market Development and partner with the EU Leadership Team to prioritise, align and govern the annual portfolio of strategic initiatives, ensuring clarity on objectives, scope, resourcing, and interdependencies across teams. Maintain transparency and alignment through timely status updates, milestone tracking, and consolidated reporting. 
- Align the annual and 10 year business growth plan for the EU region
- Lead the execution of EU strategic projects, end to end, working collaboratively across cross markets, functions, global CoEs to translate strategy into tangible outcomes. Provide data driven recommendations to the EU Leadership Team in making informed decisions.  

Key strategic projects can include:

• New cultivar commercialisation and scaling programmes
• Market allocation prioritisation
• Revenue management projects, such as strategic pricing, investment optimisation
• Value chain optimisation
• Cross regional initiatives linked to Global 2035 priorities

Business Intelligence and Planning:
- Provide guidance and support to improve business knowledge, analytical application, general planning skill sets across functions.
- Provide analysis, research, and recommendations to support the Europe Leadership Team in making informed decisions. 

Communication and Facilitation
- Facilitate effective communication and coordination between the business functions. This includes managing internal communications, preparing presentations, and organizing & facilitating meetings.

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

We are looking for a senior commercial or strategy professional with 5-10+ years’ experience, proven ability to lead cross functional strategic initiatives, and strong exposure to European markets, commercial decision making, and strategy execution. You will also meet the following criteria:

• Tertiary qualification in Business, Sales, or Supply Chain Management.
• 5+ years experience in a commercial environment preferably in the areas of Strategy, Sales or Commercial Finance.
• Proven experience leading complex, cross-functional projects across European markets.
• Strong technical competencies in sales and marketing and good understanding of Supply Chain dynamics.
• Ability to think outside of the box and innovate, i.e. curious and innovative mind, able to leverage past experiences without being blind-sided
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of market dynamics, customers, and value creation.

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 overall remuneration package
• FlexWELL flexible work; WFH & the office.
• Additional paid annual leave day per year (Zespri Day).
• Two additional paid leave days for you to proactively support the moments that genuinely boost your mental, physical, emotional, and social wellbeing (Boost Days)
• Global Life and Permanent Disability Insurance.
• Group Medical Insurance benefits.

Tono mai inaianei! Apply Now! Applications close 11 March 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.