Market Access Manager

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?

As Market Access Manager, you’ll play a critical role in protecting and enabling Zespri’s access to global markets - now and into the future. Sitting within the Quality Systems team in our Global Supply Chain, this role balances strategic leadership with hands-on operational delivery. You’ll ensure Zespri’s systems, standards and processes continue to meet evolving customer and regulatory requirements worldwide, while positioning the business for future market access and growth. 

Working closely with in-market Supply Chain, Quality and Sustainability leaders, as well as regulatory authorities, you’ll provide clear direction on current and future market access requirements and ensure these are effectively embedded across Zespri systems and wider industry practices. 

Key accountabilities include:

• Providing strategic leadership on market access requirements, guiding the development of future‑ready global standards, processes and systems aligned to customer, regulatory, and Zespri values.
• Developing and maintaining a clear market access roadmap, articulating current and future customer, regulatory, and market requirements.
• Ensuring compliance with applicable organic regulations and recognised programmes across relevant markets. 
• Partnering with Global Supply teams across producing regions to identify local and international regulatory requirements and embed these accurately into Zespri standards.
• Acting as a trusted advisor to internal teams, ensuring customer technical requirements are clearly understood, communicated and met.
• Proactively monitoring global regulatory environments to identify emerging risks, changes and opportunities, keeping Zespri ahead of future access challenges.
• Leading or contributing to the management of market or regulatory incidents fruit disposition recommendations and customer or market communications. 
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with MPI and international regulatory agencies to safeguard existing market access and support new market development.
• Engaging with key customer technical stakeholders to understand long‑term supplier expectations and translate these into future‑ready systems and processes.
• Leading and developing a high‑performing Market Access team, while driving continuous improvement and innovation to strengthen Zespri’s long‑term market access capability.

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

You’re an experienced market access or regulatory professional who thrives in complex, global environments and enjoys working at the intersection of science, regulation, supply chain and customer needs. You’re comfortable exercising sound judgement, balancing immediate operational decisions with longer term strategic outcomes, and engaging credibly with senior stakeholders and external partners.

You will also have:

• A tertiary qualification in horticulture, food science, agriculture, supply chain, international trade or a related discipline, and/or equivalent practical experience.
• 5+ years’ experience in market access, regulatory, export or compliance roles within horticulture or fresh produce.
• A strong understanding of global fresh produce trade, market access frameworks, organic and regulatory environments.
• Proven ability to interpret and translate complex technical and regulatory information into clear, practical guidance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence engaging across cultures and at senior levels.
• Demonstrated people leadership capability, with a collaborative and values led approach.
• High attention to detail, strong judgement and the ability to operate effectively in dynamic environments.
• Experience with food safety systems, quality frameworks, phytosanitary requirements, organic regulations, export certification or government engagement (highly 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 24 May 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.