Head of Orchard Research and Trials

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 visionary and experienced leader to head our Orchard Research and Trials team. This is a pivotal role in delivering Zespri’s 2035 Strategy, driving sustainable productivity, and ensuring our growers and consumers benefit from world-class research and extension programmes. 

As the Head of Orchard Research and Trials, you’ll lead a talented team responsible for developing and optimising our product portfolio, championing sustainable growing practices, delivering innovative on orchard solutions to growers and ensuring the successful adoption of new varieties. You’ll collaborate with growers and industry leaders, drive continuous improvement, and make a tangible impact on the future of horticulture.

Key accountabilities include:

• Lead and support the development of production objectives and targets for sustainable outcomes.
• Build strong relationships and connectivity across the Zespri network and with key stakeholders.
• Establish variety performance benchmarks to support commercialisation and ongoing research.
• Identify orchard-related risks and opportunities, and developing effective response strategies.
• Lead the delivery of world-class extension programmes, including orchard trials, data collection, and resource development.
• Develop and maintaining production-related policies, databases, and benchmarking tools for global consistency.
• Foster internal and external extension capabilities to help Zespri and the industry reach strategic targets.
• Ensure knowledge sharing across Zespri’s supply chain to support the adoption and optimisation of Zespri varieties.
• Identify, build and develop strong leadership and technical capability within Precommercial, Orchard Research, and Extension teams.
• Provide leadership to relevant teams, ensuring alignment with Zespri’s purpose and values, and establishing clear goals and objectives for the Orchard Research teams.

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

You are a senior leader with a passion for horticultural innovation and a proven track record in orchard research, extension, or related fields. You thrive in complex, multifaceted environments and are skilled at solving novel problems with analytical thought and independent decision-making.

You will also have: 

• Significant experience in horticultural research, extension science, or kiwifruit production.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams.
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Experience in project management, science interpretation, and data-driven decision-making.
• A graduate qualification in agriculture, horticulture, or a related field (desirable).
• Ability to address complex challenges, recommend solutions, and drive continuous improvement.

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 27 October 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.