Head of Commercialisation

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?

Are you a strategic commercial leader with the vision to turn innovation into real‑world impact? Do you thrive where science, strategy, and market execution come together? 

We’re seeking a Head of Commercialisation - a senior leader who can translate breakthrough ideas, research, and product development into market‑ready, value‑creating solutions.

This role reports directly to the Executive Officer – Innovation & Commercialisation and is responsible for:  

• Strategic leadership: Develop and drive the organisation’s commercialisation strategy, ensuring tight alignment with corporate goals and the innovation pipeline. Provide thought leadership on market trends, emerging technologies, and competitive positioning.
• Portfolio oversight: Lead commercialisation across multiple innovation portfolios. Prioritise opportunities based on commercial potential, risk, and strategic fit, and manage the end‑to‑end lifecycle from concept to launch and beyond.
• Stakeholder engagement and partnerships: Identify and secure strategic partnerships, licensing agreements, and joint ventures. Negotiate high‑value commercial agreements, represent the organisation in industry forums and investor meetings, and communicate clearly with executive stakeholders and external partners.
• Financial and market strategy: Evaluate commercial viability through financial modelling, market analysis, and risk assessment. Build compelling business cases to inform investment decisions and resource allocation.
• Regulatory and product readiness: Ensure regulatory requirements are met across innovation initiatives and oversee product readiness to enable successful, compliant market entry.
• Team leadership: Build, lead, and develop a high‑performing commercialisation team, providing coaching, mentoring, and clear performance expectations.

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

You’re a commercially astute, strategically minded leader who combines deep innovation expertise with strong commercial judgement. You will also bring:

• 7+ years’ experience in commercialisation, business development, or strategic leadership roles.
• Experience within primary industries, food innovation, or FMCG environments.
• Proven capability in market development and new product commercialisation, ideally across global markets.
• Broad commercial expertise, including market analysis, financial modelling, and IP management, underpinned by strong commercial acumen and financial literacy.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with a track record of influencing and engaging stakeholders at executive, industry, and partner levels.
• Experience leading and collaborating across cross‑functional teams to drive strategic outcomes. 
• A strategic mindset, able to apply sound judgement in complex or ambiguous contexts and translate insights into decisive action.
• Demonstrated people leadership, including developing capability, setting clear expectations, and holding teams accountable for delivery.
• A tertiary qualification in Business, Commerce, Innovation, Agribusiness, Horticulture, or a related field (desirable).

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 and 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.
• Convenient Mount Maunganui office location, with free onsite parking.
• Your daily dose of Vitamin C with free kiwifruit!

Tono mai inaianei! Apply Now! Applications close 1 March 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.