Head of Strategy and Market Development

About Zespri

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.

About The Role

As the Head of Strategy & Market Development for North America, you will hold a pivotal leadership position responsible for shaping and executing Zespri’s strategic direction in the region. In this role, you will:

• Set the course: Partner with senior leaders to craft and deliver a bold 5–10 year Strategic Vision and Business Plan, aligning global ambitions with local action.
• Lead innovation: Own and evolve the Market Development Framework, identifying untapped opportunities and integrating them into our territory’s roadmap.
• Inspire collaboration: Lead cross-functional projects that unite teams, spark engagement, and deliver results that matter.
• Champion execution: Ensure our strategies come to life - driving operational excellence, supporting local leaders, and keeping our plans on track.
• Be the voice: Represent North America in global forums, ensuring our region’s priorities are heard and our projects shine.
• Grow talent: Mentor and empower your team, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous development.
• Drive impact: Oversee key initiatives, provide sharp insights, and help our leaders make informed, future-focused decisions.
• Anticipate change: Spot risks, seize opportunities, and help us stay ahead in a fast-moving market.

Who are you?

You are a strategic thinker and influential leader with a passion for market development and business growth. Your background includes:

• A tertiary qualification in finance, business development, sales/trade, or a related field.
• Strong financial and sales acumen, with a robust understanding of how supply chain, finance, and sales functions interconnect to drive business outcomes.
• Proven experience leading major cross-functional projects, with excellent project management skills and a track record of delivering results.
• Demonstrated expertise in strategy and/or business development, ideally within horticulture or FMCG industries.
• Experience in strategic planning, leading people and change, and driving operational management.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities, with experience in business modelling and data analytics.
• High business acumen, innovative spirit, and a process-driven approach to overcoming challenges.
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills, especially at senior management level, including the ability to handle all conversations with professionalism and confidence.
• A deep understanding of international markets, gained through strategic roles in international organisations.
• Independent, self-motivated, and able to perform under pressure.
• A collaborative approach, with the ability to build relationships and facilitate cross-functional teamwork.
• Customer-centric focus, decision-making confidence, and a drive for results and innovation.

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 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.

Apply Now! Applications close 13 December 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. You can reach out to our Talent Acquisition team via email at careers@zespri.com to have a chat to someone directly.