Sustainable Packaging Specialist

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?

Zespri is seeking a talented individual to join our Technical Team as a Sustainable Packaging Specialist. This is your chance to be part of a high-performing team that drives innovation, sustainability, and excellence across the entire kiwifruit supply chain! 

As a Sustainable Packaging Specialist at Zespri, you will play a pivotal role in our mission to revolutionise packaging practices and achieve ambitious sustainability targets. 

This is a 8 month fixed term maternity contract, reporting directly to the Packaging Technical Lead. 

Your responsibilities will include:

• LCA Mastery: Utilise Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) tools to understand and quantify our packaging footprint. You'll collect, collate, and update packaging data, contribute to the LCA framework, and conduct scenario modeling for informed decision-making.
• Innovative Design: Manage a Stage Gate System for developing and testing new packaging materials and designs. Support/Lead experimental design and execute trials and testing, collating data, analyses results into reports. Collaborate with global stakeholders to gather ideas, verify certifications, conduct quality trials, and develop manufacturing specifications.
• Supplier Relationships: Maintain strong partnerships with packaging suppliers through regular communication and certification processes, ensuring adherence to food contact standards and sustainability requirements.

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

• Relevant Experience: Demonstrated expertise in Life Cycle Analyses and sustainable packaging practices is highly regarded. 
• Qualifications: A degree in Sustainability, Polymer Science, Product Formulation or related fields is advantageous.
• Technical Skills: Strong knowledge in designing product trials, interpreting results, and applying LCA principles to packaging projects.
• Industry Experience: Ideally, familiarity with fresh produce supply chains, especially in the NZ fruit export sector would be advantageous. 
   

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
• FlexWELL flexible work ethos: WFH and the office
• Additional paid annual leave day each year (Zespri Day)
• Convenient Mt Maunganui office location 
• Your daily dose of Vitamin C with free kiwifruit!

Tono mai inaianei! Apply now! Applications close Friday 03 May 2024, however we will regularly review applications and will contact candidates throughout the application period. 

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 by email at careers@zespri.com.