Innovation Leader - Fruit Quality

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 have an exciting 12-month fixed-term opportunity to join our dynamic Innovation Supply Chain team. This position will manage and maintain the quality of innovation outcomes within the Global Supply Chain Development and Insights team. Our team plays a crucial role in ensuring that Zespri and the wider kiwifruit industry have the knowledge and tools to deliver premium quality kiwifruit to consumers through a resilient, future-fit supply chain.

In this role you will play a crucial role in the day-to-day development and management of research projects, ensuring that outputs align with next and end-user requirements, as well as Global Supply Chain, Quality, and overall Zespri strategies.  Your focus will be on managing our business partners, including research providers and suppliers, to ensure the smooth and efficient transfer of research throughout the organization, from concept ideation through to deployment of commercial solutions. This is your opportunity to be part of a team that values collaboration, quality, and delivering innovation that returns value to Zespri, growers, shareholders, stakeholders, and consumers.   

Key accountabilities include:

• Collaborate with the Innovation Manager, Supply Chain to:
  • Develop Innovation Supply Chain strategy and plans.
  • Allocate and monitor budget.
• Lead and implement agreed individual projects through the end-to-end innovation process, and review against strategic priorities and value delivery.
• Capture project information and share in the Innovation knowledge management systems.
• Find, collaborate, and partner with global organisations for open innovation opportunities.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders and industry partners.
• Regularly report to, and engage with, senior internal audiences, including the Innovation Steering Committee and Board Innovation Subcommittee.
• Work with the Innovation Acceleration Team to apply agile ways of working, leverage best practices, manage IP, and progression of projects through the Innovation Project Management Office.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in postharvest supply chain and fruit quality, providing advice on best practice approaches to resolve scientific/ technological uncertainty.
• Stay updated on relevant innovation trends in the broader kiwifruit, agriculture, and consumer goods industries. 

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

We are seeking a driven individual with a growth mindset, strong organisational skills, and project management expertise within global cross-functional teams.  You will also have:

• An Honours Degree in Science, preferably in horticulture, food science, or engineering (a Master's or PhD is desirable)
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in managing Innovation/ R&D research projects with successful commercial outcomes.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking to formulate and debate cohesive workplans aligned with Zespri’s business strategy and goals.
• Effective communication skills to build and maintain stakeholder engagement. 
• Strong collaboration abilities to create and support long-term relationships for mutually beneficial outcomes.

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 900+ 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.
• FlexWELL flexible work ethos; WFH and the office. 
• Additional paid annual leave day per year (Zespri Day).
• Additional paid volunteer day to volunteer within your community (Volunteer Time).
• 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 20 May 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.