Strategic 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?

Based in Bologna, Strategic Projects Manager position supports the business by leading the development and delivery of Zespri’s Northern Hemisphere Supply (ZGS), and strategic projects required to achieve Northern hemisphere Supply goals in order to sustain the 12-month category supply program and accelerate growth to meet supply demands including commercialization plans for new cultivars and growing regions. 

Reporting to the Head of NHS Innovation & Productivity, this 12-month fixed term contract also provides project management responsibilities where required and will oversee the coordination of Sustainability initiatives across Northern Hemisphere growing areas. 

Key responsibilities include: 

• Leading the development, engagement and execution of key strategic projects required to achieve NHS supply goals. 
• Partnering with the ZGS leadership team to coordinate and facilitate the ZGS strategy development, focusing on long term strategic objectives and short term prioritisation. 
• In conjunction with the ZGS leadership team leading the ZGS input into Zespri five year planning and supply projections. 
• Supporting the commercialization of New Cultivar Development including but not limited to: commercial structure, procurement model and partner selection  
• Support the Innovation Manager Northern Hemisphere in the execution of the Pre-Commercial cultivar programs. 
• Support the coordination the Annual joint ZGS/market initiatives aimed at continuous improvement of the business 
• Developing comprehensive project plans, conducting reviews and creating detailed reports for senior management 
• Positively influencing key decisions and making sure all relevant stakeholders within Zespri have been involved in developing and delivering projects 
• Leading and overseeing other strategic projects on behalf of Northern Hemisphere Supply Team as they arise 
• Leading and working collaboratively across teams to in the shaping of the approach to sustainability for Northern Hemisphere production. 

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

This is an awesome opportunity for a talented individual who has experience leading significant programmes/projects that have a critical impact on business growth and operations. You will also have: 

• Strategic Acumen with the ability to craft effective strategies based on rational and critical analysis of risks and opportunities   
• A strong business acumen thorough understanding of business process architecture and ability to develop, deploy and utilise business performance measures to improve results 
• Experience within the consulting space or a large multinational 
• Multi-stakeholder facilitation, communication and management and strong relationship building skills 
• Project Management tools utilisation 
• Agri-business exposure thorough understanding of the agri-business sector with experience of production and supply models in the premium produce category 
• Change management experience 
• PMP, PMI or equivalent (advantageous) 
• Ability to communicate well in English and Italian. French and/or Greek would be advantageous 

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).

Apply Now! Applications close 11 April 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.