Quality Systems 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?

The Quality Systems Manager is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and maintenance of quality systems across ZGS. The role ensures compliance with international standards and regulatory requirements, drives continuous improvement across the supply chain, and manages certification, food safety, and social compliance programs. By embedding quality standards throughout Zespri’s operations, this position enables the company to deliver trusted quality and safeguard brand value.

- Lead cross-functional teams using Lean, Six Sigma, and Root Cause Analysis to reduce non-conformities and improve efficiency.
- Oversee internal and supplier audits to maintain strong quality systems and compliance with industry standards.
- Act as primary contact for regulatory authorities, coordinating timely and accurate submissions.
- Develop, implement, and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring alignment with Zespri policies and external standards.
- Manage ZGS certification, phytosanitary and food safety, social compliance, and environmental programs.
- Provide training and mentoring to staff, promoting a culture of quality and continuous improvement.
- Partner with product, manufacturing, and operations teams to embed quality standards throughout processes.
- Supervise and support the quality assurance and technical team, fostering accountability and ongoing improvement.
- Coordinate engagement with customers, suppliers, and stakeholders, maintaining professional relationships at senior operational levels.
- Represent ZGS quality systems within Zespri globally and across the industry

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

With a minimum 6 years of experience in quality systems management, you will also meet the following criteria:

- At least 2 years in a leadership role.
- Experience in the primary sector or horticulture industry highly desirable.
- Proven track record managing third-party certification audits (e.g. GlobalG.A.P., BRC, ISO).
- Strong background in customer-facing quality and compliance requirements.
- Proven ability to engage multiple stakeholders on complex projects
- Extensive knowledge of multi-sector market access, lean management, and quality systems
- Strong technical expertise in certification programs, international phytosanitary standards, and food safety regulations
- Deep understanding of export compliance, regulatory requirements, and documentation processes

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, including a Short-Term Incentive scheme opportunity.
• FlexWELL flexible work ethos; WFH & the office.
• 22 days of Annual Leave
• 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).
• Medical Insurance
• Life & Permanent Disablement Insurance
• Meal Allowance

Tono mai inaianei! Apply Now! Applications close 3 December 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.