Lean Project 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?

Reporting to the Head of Supply Chain, the Lean Project Manager will lead and manage the implementation of Zespri's Lean Management initiatives, focusing on embedding a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

As a Lean Project Manager, you will oversee two core initiatives: the execution of Value Stream Analysis (VSA) within Supply Chain and Quality, ensuring sustainable outcomes, and the global rollout of Lean Management Fundamentals training initiatives, in collaboration with an external partner.

This position is preferably intended for candidates belonging to Protected Categories with certification as beneficiary law 68/99 Art.1 (employment of people with disability).

This a Fixed Term contract for 7 months from January 2025 until July 2025, based in Bologna.

Key accountabilities include:

• Value Stream Analysis (VSA) Implementation, coordinate the planning and execution of VSA initiatives within Supply Chain and Quality, in collaboration with external partners.
• Lean Management Fundamentals Rollout, manage the global training initiatives, partnering with external providers to introduce Lean Management principles to all employees. 
• Project Leadership, develop and maintain project plans, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Stakeholder Engagement, partner with leadership and functional teams to ensure alignment of Lean initiatives with strategic priorities.
• Performance Monitoring and Reporting, define KPIs and success metrics for Lean initiatives, ensuring measurable results. 

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

We are looking for a candidate who possesses a  Lean Management expertise  (minimum  5 years) while also project management proficient. You will also have:

• Certification in Lean Management, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt) is preferred.
• Proficient in using data analytics tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, Tableau) to identify trends, measure performance, and inform decision-making
• Experience in designing and delivering training programs, workshops, or coaching sessions on Lean or Continuous Improvement topics.
• Familiarity with Supply Chain processes (e.g., logistics, inventory management) and Quality Management Systems (e.g., ISO standards, Total Quality Management).
• Knowledge of change management frameworks (e.g., ADKAR, Kotter’s 8 Steps) to drive adoption of Lean practices across diverse teams.
• Experience in managing resistance to change and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related 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
• FlexWELL flexible work ethos; WFH & the office.

Tono mai inaianei! Apply Now! Applications close 16 January 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.