Grower Services Manager

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?

A strong and trusting relationship between Zespri and the grower community is critical to the success of the kiwifruit industry.  The performance of the growers is an important part of Zespri strategic growth plan. By partnering with growers in Europe, Zespri can commend its strategy which involves a brand presence for 12 months of the year. The Grower Services Manager contributes towards the achievement of Zespri’s overriding strategic objectives to grow the kiwifruit category globally through delivery of a Grower Service function to the European kiwifruit industry.

Reporting to the Head of Europe Industry, the Grower Services Manager will develop, drive and implement the grower engagement strategy. Based in Bologna, this role also takes the lead to communicate grower sentiment across the business and is a primary communication and relationship management role supporting the key interface between Zespri and the Kiwifruit Growing Community.

The key responsibilities are:

• Lead and develop a clear and innovative Grower Service function by a “grower-service” culture  
• Develop and maintain excellent relationships with growers, technicians and supplier partners, as well as kiwifruit industry bodies
• Understand grower requirements identifying trends and emerging issues and give interpretation and perspective on grower sentiment
• Design, organize and manage events, grower days, roadshows, coms in conjunction with other staff members as well as grower visits 
• Lead the licensing function for existing and new expansion projects and compliance to quota 
• Be a relational and political interface for growers and technicians with other ZGS members
• Work closely with other teams like Extension, Production and Innovation, Technical, Quality

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

We are looking for a candidate possess relevant kiwifruit industry experience including a broad grower land knowledge. Excellent communication and relationship skills will be instrumental in this role as the Grower Services Manager is the key interface between Zespri and the Kiwifruit Growing Community. The successful individual will also have:

• Proven Project Management skills
• Highly developed relationship management, presentation and facilitation skills
• Broad understanding of the horticultural industry and Zespri’s strategy as it relates to growers and industry stakeholders
• Computer literacy in applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint with good ability to manage data
• Proven ability to manage multiple programmes of work delivering high-quality thinking and driving execution
• Written and verbal fluency in Italian and English at a conversational, business and technical level
• Flexibility on work hours 
• Ability to travel as required
• Graduate qualification in a science or horticultural/agricultural field

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 being personally connected, results-driven, and committed to guardianship. Join us in shaping our future and be part of a truly unique organisation.

• Competitive overall remuneration package, including a Short-Term Incentive scheme opportunity
• 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.

Tono mai inaianei! Apply Now! Applications close 10 May 2024.

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.