Post Harvest Supply Chain Engineer

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?

Reporting to the Fruit Performance Manager, the Post Harvest Supply Chain Engineer provides technical expertise to support Zespri teams across all supply origins and markets. This individual will work closely with other teams on developing new research ideas and delivering the implementation of research outputs, while demonstrating technical and commercial competence and decisiveness where required.

Core Responsibilities

Project Management of Supply Chain Engineering Projects
- Manage projects, trials and technical initiatives within budget
- Validate and trial new technologies and solutions
- Address constraints in technology application, especially for fruit quality and loss reduction; develop strategies and trials for successful implementation
- Implement trials, manage trial data, present at reviews and complete/report findings. 

Engineering Technical Support 
- Lead and provide technical engineering support for successful delivery of solutions to optimize the supply chain
- Support for the long-term development of the fruit conditioning and ripening programmes
- Provision of appropriate support to optimize performance of all commercial varieties.
- Ensure appropriate temperature management protocols are in place throughout the supply chain especially the development of suitable supply temperatures to vessels.

Engineering Technical Support to Innovation 
- Active engagement, support and monitoring all projects and services from Innovation that relate to the technical/engineering area.

New Technologies - Trials and Implementation 
- Assist supply chain teams in the adoption and implementation of new technologies
- Lead and manage engineering trials of new technologies across the supply chain
- Serve as the technical expert for technical/engineering trials conducted by other teams
- Support for cool store technologies/optimization and Duty of Care initiatives

Analytical Activities - Technical Engineering Tasks
- Completing analyses primarily around engineering trials/initiatives and report the analysis to the business
- Provide analytical support and reporting

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

We are looking for an exceptional candidate with a tertiary qualification in Engineering (Agricultural, Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial) or Supply Chain Management with extensive experience in fresh produce supply chain or back house operations. You will also have: 

• Experience in agricultural automation/engineering or post-harvest handling systems.
• Experience of engineering solutions adoption in commercial supply chain.
• Strong knowledge of supply chain optimization, refrigeration systems, fruit packaging, grading and sensor technologies.
• Understanding of cool chain operations and good basis in heat and mass transfer
• Experience with structural performance of packaging systems.
• Technical experience with measurement of quality attributes of biological materials
• Sound commercial experience.
• A good understanding of NZ Horticultural Industry.

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 & 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 12 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 by reaching out to our Talent Acquisition team via email at careers@zespri.com.