Innovation Leader - Protect Supply

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?

Zespri is a proudly grower-owned organisation, delivering top-quality kiwifruit to over 54 countries. As our Innovation Leader for Market Access and Crop Protection, you’ll drive innovation across these portfolios to deliver long-term value for growers, shareholders, and stakeholders. Your focus will be on reducing the impact of limited market access and mitigating crop protection risks, with the overarching goal to deliver research knowledge for sustainable pest and disease control. 

Key accountabilities include: 

• Keeping abreast of innovation trends in kiwifruit, agriculture, and consumer goods.
• Developing strategies and plans to address industry issues and opportunities.
• Leading market access and crop protection projects through the end-to-end innovation process, from ideation to deployment and benefit realisation.
• Managing project teams, technical groups, and stakeholders, ensuring milestones are met and knowledge is shared.
• Allocating and monitoring annual portfolio budget, tracking portfolio-level benefits, and ensuring returns are realised.
• Building strong relationships with growers, suppliers, consultants, industry groups, and research providers.
• Applying agile ways of working and continually reviewing portfolio priorities to optimise value delivery.

This is a full-time, fixed-term maternity cover position based in Mount Maunganui, running until November 2026.

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

You’re an experienced project leader with a passion for innovation, able to translate complex science into practical, real-world solutions. You also bring:

• A tertiary qualification in science (preferably horticulture); a Master’s or PhD in plant pathology, horticultural or microbiological science (highly regarded).
• At least five years’ experience in related roles, ideally within business environments, science management, or commercial innovation.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, especially within cross-functional, global teams.
• The ability to provide expert input, apply specialist expertise, and share knowledge to enhance performance across the business and industry. 
• Excellent relationship-building and networking skills, with a collaborative approach and a focus on team engagement.
• A results-driven mindset, high personal standards, and a sense of guardianship for our land and people.
• Flexibility, a growth mindset, and the ability to adapt to change, ambiguity, and diverse cultures.
• Strong communication skills, with the capability to build and maintain effective stakeholder relationships.

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.
• FlexWELL flexible work ethos; WFH and the office.
• Additional paid annual leave day per year (Zespri Day).
• 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 29 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.