Plant Variety Rights Auditor

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?

Are you someone who would love to be part of a dynamic team in protecting the integrity of New Zealand's horticultural future? Join our Plants Variety Rights team, where we safeguard the kiwifruit industry by ensuring our partners meet the highest standards of horticultural practice.

The Plants Variety Rights Auditor plays an important part in the protection of the PVRs through the undertaking and management of a comprehensive field audit program of grower's orchards, nurseries and growers who hold plant material under other nursery agreements with Zespri.

Please note that this is an 14 month fixed term contract.

Accountability

• Undertakes full investigation and enforcement of PVR protection through on-orchard visits and providing comprehensive documented, auditable and substantiated supporting material from the visits.
• Management of the relationship between Zespri and its key stakeholders in the communication and protection of PVR’s.
• Assisting the Licensing and New Cultivar Teams with PVR protection and pre-commercial trials activities
• Management, planning and reporting observations of field PVR audits to the PVR Team Lead and the Licensing team verbally and via the systemized audit process in Dynamics 365.
• Implementing an audit programme for all growers that are party to the agreements for plant propagation with Zespri.
• Undertakes any other ad hoc industry related compliance or PVR investigation.
• Provides PVR education to growers and industry stakeholders in conjunction with the critical enforcement role.
• Ongoing support to the Zespri Industry Compliance Team including enforcement and investigation support particularly in relation to labour exploitation and high-risk noncompliance concerns.

Critical Tasks

• Continued tightening and enhancement of the enforcement of Zespri PVR varieties
• Able to develop and manage good working relationships with growers, shareholders and key industry stakeholders.
• Development and implementation (as appropriate) of key polices ensuring growers interest are represented.
• Able to gain a good understanding of the horticultural industry.
• Able to develop and implement a transparent and fair auditing process with growers and nurseries
• Able to effectively plan, manage, investigate, execute and record PVR related interactions with stakeholders.
• Sits on the License committee as an independent viewpoint
• Provide critical education to growers and stakeholders in all matters pertaining to PVR licensing requirements.

Key Performance Measures

• Assist to develop and implement a co-ordinated strategic approach to engagement of growers and nurseries around the enforcement and protection of PVR varieties and propagated plant material
• Monitor and report to the Grower Relations Team Leader on current stakeholder information and particular challenges and events with the specific intent of delivering value to growers.

Other Responsibilities

• Establishes trusted and effective relationships with stakeholders of all levels
• Influences well gaining clear agreement and commitments from others
• Able to work under pressure with particular reference to seasonal highs
• Provides a mature outlook in difficult situations, with the ability to seek others' opinions and deliver the best outcome for the growers and Zespri.
• Prioritises work to be making key inroads towards the agreed Grower Engagement Strategy by engaging with growers and stakeholders in the industry for the protection of the portfolio of PVR’s

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

We are looking for a highly motivated individual who is a strong collaborator and has a knack in investigating matters or incidences. You will also have:

• Field background in the horticultural/agricultural industry
• Strong investigative and analytical abilities
• Previous auditing, relationship management experience
• Flexibility to travel as there will be a reasonable amount of travel to kiwifruit growing regions in New Zealand
• Well-developed Office application skills: Word, PowerPoint, Outlook

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 & the office.
• Additional paid annual leave day per year (Zespri Day).
• 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 22 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.

Agency

Zespri will not accept applications or contact from any temporary staffing agency, placement service or professional recruiter for this vacancy (“Agency”).

Where Zespri requires the support of an agency to fulfil a vacancy, we will proactively seek this support from our network of Agencies.  We respectfully ask that you do not contact Zespri or any of its affiliates/employees regarding vacancies, and reserve the right not to reply.

Zespri will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any fees, commissions or other payments related to such unsolicited resumes.