Regional Market 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?

We are seeking a Market Manager Italy & MED to join us in a pivotal leadership role within our European business. Having responsibility for one of Zespri's most exciting growth markets covering Italy, Greece and Malta, this position plays a key role in shaping the future of our brand, accelerating category growth, and delivering commercial success across a dynamic and highly competitive region. Reporting to the Head of Sales Europe and based in Milan, this is an opportunity to own the commercial agenda for a market with significant growth potential. You'll work at the intersection of strategy and execution - developing winning market plans, strengthening customer partnerships, influencing category growth, and bringing our premium brand to life for consumers. As a member of the Europe Sales Leadership Team, you'll also contribute to broader regional priorities and help shape the future direction of Zespri across Europe. 

This role will:

• Lead the commercial strategy for Italy & MED, identifying where to play and how to win to unlock sustainable growth and value creation. 
• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships with key customers, distributors and retailers, driving long-term growth and mutual success. 
• Partner closely with Marketing to elevate the Zespri brand and create compelling shopper and category growth initiatives. 
• Drive commercial excellence across demand planning, pricing, forecasting, promotional investment and performance management. 
• Inspire and develop a high-performing team while fostering strong collaboration across Europe and our global business. 
• Champion innovation, challenge the status quo, and identify new opportunities to grow both the category and the Zespri brand.

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

With significant commercial leadership experience in FMCG, fresh produce, or related consumer goods industries, you will thrive in dynamic environments where strategic thinking and execution excellence go hand in hand. You will also possess:

• 10+ years' experience in FMCG or fresh fruit sales, including key account leadership experience.
• Experience across areas such as category management, trade marketing, sales operations, or business development. 
• Proven success developing and delivering commercial and market growth strategies. 
• Strong leadership capability, with experience leading teams and influencing across complex cross-functional environments. 
• Advanced customer negotiation, category management and relationship-building skills. 
• Strong commercial acumen, budgeting expertise and analytical problem-solving capability. 
• A degree (or equivalent qualification) in Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, or a related discipline. 
• Fluency in both English and Italian.

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.

• The base salary for this position is between EUR 75,000 - 95,000 plus a performance-based short-term incentive scheme (for employees who meet the eligibility criteria) and benefits. Please note that individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies, performance and work location.
• FlexWELL flexible work ethos; WFH & the office.
• 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).
• Global Life and Permanent Disability Insurance.
• Group Medical Insurance benefits.

Tono mai inaianei! Apply Now! Applications close 27 July 2026.

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.