Innovation Team Assistant

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?

The Innovation Team Assistant supports the Heads of Innovation by providing high-level personal assistance and managing administrative and organisational tasks to ensure the smooth operation of the Innovation Team. 

Key responsibilities include:

• Act as the first point of contact for the Heads of Innovation and Innovation team, demonstrating excellent judgment and customer service in managing contacts and coordinating access.
• Assist with the distribution of Innovation-related reports and papers for the Board and Executive, and manage the agenda and action items, producing and distributing Innovation Board papers.
• Take minutes of Zespri Innovation Board and other advisory group meetings as required.
• Diary management. 
• Event management for all Innovation-based events.
• Assist with the arrangement of meetings and coordinate presentations.
• Arrange and book global travel. 
• Manage Corporate Purchasing Cards, process correspondence, Visa statements, expense claims, and invoices.
• Maintain the electronic filing system. 

This is a fixed-term 6 month contract commencing July 2025. 

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

The successful candidate will meet the following selection criteria:

• Professional certifications in administration (preferred).
• Excellent administrator with outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Exceptional project and time management skills, with the ability to work independently and plan activities/projects well in advance, considering resources, changing circumstances, and deadlines.
• Outstanding communication skills, both written and oral.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills and technically savvy.
• Personal flexibility and confidence to self-manage, with a diligent approach to working through tasks, often requiring minimal supervision.
• Ability to work well in high-pressure environments, positively coping with challenges and competing deadlines, showing initiative, creativity, and the ability to relate well to others in a team environment and across the wider business at all levels. 

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 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 volunteer day to volunteer within your community (Volunteer Time).
• 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 Sunday 15 June 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. You can reach out to our Talent Acquisition team via email at careers@zespri.com to have a chat to someone directly.