Technical Specialist - Residues

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 Orchard Quality Services team plays a critical role in setting standards, systems, and assurance across Zespri’s global business. With changing market behaviour and increased in‑market testing by regulators and customers, the global residue programme continues to grow in both scale and complexity.

As the Technical Specialist – Residues, you’ll take ownership of this programme end‑to‑end, ensuring residue compliance across global supply chains while supporting future‑focused risk management and decision‑making.

Key accountabilities include:

• Planning, coordinating, and managing Zespri’s global residue testing programme, including seasonal programme design, laboratory procurement, ongoing testing, results analysis, and investigations.
• Responding to changing market requirements by applying residue restrictions, adjusting seasonal testing limits, and supporting risk mitigation alongside Market Access.
• Managing Zespri’s Antibiotic Resistance Management Programme, including bactericide audit programmes, auditor relationships, documentation, and compliance support.
• Representing Zespri on the Antibiotic Resistance Coordination Group and reporting key outcomes and changes through to MPI and internal stakeholders.
• Leading and coordinating internal and external investigations, including managing documentation, engaging specialist support, and providing clear summaries for management decision‑making.
• Expanding the residue programme to address emerging risks, including post‑harvest food safety and agrichemical persistence, in partnership with Food Safety specialists.
• Ensuring residue data is accurately captured and closed out, including managing non‑compliances through GAP systems.
• Managing residue‑related systems and processes, including sample requests, manual workarounds, and supporting system enhancements.
• Supporting Zespri Global Supply teams (including Italy, France, Japan, and South Korea) with seasonal set‑up, alignment of programmes, and residue result support.
• Acting as the key business contact for laboratories, sampling providers, investigators, and other third‑party partners.
• Proactively communicating programme updates and outcomes to industry through forums, reports, and publications.
• Providing support to the wider Orchard Quality Services team, including Crop Protection and KiwiGreen activities, and contributing positively as a flexible, collaborative team member.

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

You bring a mix of technical capability, attention to detail, and confidence working across complex stakeholder environments. You’re comfortable taking the lead, while also being a supportive and collaborative team member.

You will also meet the following criteria:

• A tertiary qualification in horticulture, food science, or a related discipline or equivalent industry experience (preferred).
• Exposure to the horticultural and/or laboratory environment, with a solid understanding of quality systems.
• Strong analytical skills - you enjoy getting to the root of issues and making sense of complex data.
• Confidence managing audits, investigations, and compliance processes end‑to‑end.
• Clear, professional communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong organisation skills and the ability to manage multiple workstreams independently.
• High attention to detail, balanced with pragmatic decision‑making.
• Strong relationship‑building skills and the ability to influence across diverse internal and external groups.
• Ease working with systems and data (including Excel), and a willingness to learn new tools and processes.
• Most importantly, you’re someone who takes pride in delivering quality outcomes, supports others, and contributes positively to a high‑trust team environment.

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 Tuesday 21 April 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.