Supply Chain Excellence Manager, 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?

Reporting to the Head of Supply Chain, Europe and based in Antwerp, the purpose if the role is to  support excellence across the supply chain & commercial outcomes.

The Supply Chain Excellence Manager, Europe acts as the lead for supply chain excellence initiatives focussed on cost-to-serve, continuous improvement, productivity improvement and supply chain strategy projects providing governance, process and insights into the performance of the European Supply Chain. This role also acts as project lead for various supply chain projects driving the development of the future supply network, to ensure the European supply chain is fit for purpose in preparation for strong performance in the European market over the next 10 years.

Accountabilities include:

Project Leadership:

• Leading supply chain initiatives including seasonal planning, long-term (5YP/10YP) strategies, and scenario development to shape future network design.
• Driving cost-to-serve optimization, claims analytics enhancements, and continuous improvement across supply chain operations.
• Advancing digital supply chain capabilities and supporting sustainability goals through targeted transition initiatives.

Commercial management:

• Leading initiatives to enhance supply chain efficiency and effectiveness across end-to-end processes, ensuring robust forecasting and performance reporting in collaboration with the Finance Supply Chain Business Partner.
• Providing strategic commercial oversight within the European Supply Chain, partnering with the EU Finance Business Partner to drive budgeting accuracy, build financial literacy, and support cost management.
• Overseeing 3PL contract negotiations, performance reviews, and cost-to-serve improvements, supporting monthly KPI meetings and contributing to future network design.

Future network design:

• Driving the development of an optimized European supply network that enhances agility, responsiveness, and customer service while minimizing cost-to-serve—supporting long-term profitable growth.
• Partnering with Supply Chain Development EU, Procurement, and European leadership to gather data, build financial scenarios, and ensure sound commercial decisions throughout the network design process.
• Leading the creation and presentation of network design recommendations, culminating in the selection and approval of a preferred scenario that aligns with business objectives and future readiness.

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

We’re seeking a visionary and results-driven leader with a strong background in managing high-performing teams and delivering operational excellence. You bring 10–15 years of experience across Supply Chain, Logistics, Finance, or Business, including a minimum of five years in senior leadership roles. You will:

• Possess a solid background with hands-on operational expertise, ideally within FMCG, fresh produce, or distribution environments.
• Be APICS certified (CSCP preferred) and hold Lean or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt credentials.
• Have fluency in English, with Dutch as a plus, and are open to travel across Europe and potentially internationally.
• Flourish in multicultural settings and bring a global perspective that allows you to lead diverse teams and navigate international business environments with confidence and agility.
• Be technically adept, have a strong grasp of product handling and storage practices, ERP systems like Oracle or  SAP S4 Hana (PP and MM modules), and possess sharp commercial acumen.
• The ability to showcase your top-tier project management skills with a strategic mindset and have the ability to influence stakeholders effectively.
• Demonstrate clear communication skills, be a sound decision-maker, and a person of high integrity who thrives on turning complex data into actionable insights

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 ethos; WFH & the office.
• Additional paid annual leave day per year (Zespri Day).
• Additional paid volunteer day to volunteer within your community (Volunteer Time).
• Global Life and Permanent Disability Insurance.
• Group Medical Insurance benefits.

Apply Now! Applications close 17 July 2025.

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.