Supply Chain Development 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?

The Supply Chain Development Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping how Zespri moves fruit to market across a complex, global network. This role is about solving big, long horizon problems — developing future fit end to end supply chain strategy, strengthening capability in global markets, and ensuring our network can deliver quality, value, and sustainability as we continue to grow. Shipping is an important part of the equation, but we’re open to candidates who bring strong strategic end to end supply chain experience from a range of backgrounds.

You’ll work across New Zealand and international markets, influencing decisions that materially affect cost, risk, service, quality and carbon outcomes. It’s a role for someone who enjoys operating at both strategic and practical levels — setting direction, then rolling up their sleeves to make it real.

A key focus of this role is helping shape Zespri’s long term network direction and strategy, with shipping having a strong influence on this. This includes contributing to multi year planning, partnering with internal stakeholders and external providers, and progressing efficiency and optimisation initiatives across our supply chain — balancing commercial outcomes with sustainability commitments. Experience in shipping is preferred, but not essential, if you bring strong strategic supply chain capability and a track record of influencing outcomes in complex environments.

Key Responsibilities include:

Build global supply chain capability

• Lead supply chain reviews and improvement initiatives in new and emerging markets
• Connect NZ based development projects with global market teams to ensure effective delivery
• Strengthen end to end capability across NZ and market side operations

Shape future supply chain direction

• Lead 2+ year supply chain network planning, including freight and shipping direction, and contribute to long term commercial planning and negotiations
• Partner with modelling and analytics teams to inform network design and investment decisions
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks across the end to end network, including freight and shipping where relevant

Deliver complex change

• Lead full lifecycle supply chain development projects aligned to Zespri’s 2035 strategy
• Engage and motivate cross functional stakeholders to deliver outcomes
• Embed a culture of continuous improvement and learning

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

You’ll bring a deep understanding of complex supply chain environments and a strategic mindset to help shape Zespri’s future global network. With strong commercial acumen, excellent relationship skills and a passion for continuous improvement, you thrive in collaborative, fast moving environments and can confidently influence across a diverse set of stakeholders.

Your Skills & Experience:

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering or similar
• Significant experience (e.g., 7–10+ years) across supply chain planning, operations, logistics/distribution and/or strategy within complex environments
• Proven project management experience across complex initiatives
• Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to influence outcomes and work effectively with commercial and procurement partners
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and strong working relationships
• Experience using continuous improvement tools and methodologies
• Comfortable working across New Zealand and international stakeholders, balancing strategic thinking with practical delivery

Nice to have:

• Experience in freight and/or shipping strategy, shipping operations, or working with shipping lines / port logistics
• Experience with SAP, ERP or WMS (e.g., APO, SD modules)
• Exposure to primary industry supply chains

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 being personally connected, results-driven, and committed to guardianship. 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).
• 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 Tuesday 19th 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.