People & Payroll Advisor - Europe

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 our People Operations Lead, the People & Payroll Advisor plays a critical role in delivering seamless people and payroll support across multiple European countries. This is a fixed-term opportunity created to provide continuity and support while a member of our team leads an important regional Payroll Vendor Transformation project. As part of this broader transformation journey, our People Operations team is introducing new digital tools and ways of working, including a new ServiceNow ticketing platform and a move towards a single global payroll vendor. We're looking for someone who is curious, adaptable, and excited by opportunities to improve processes and employee experiences. 

This role will ideally be based in Aprilia or Bologna and will be responsible for: 

• Coordinating payroll activities across Zespri's European operations and partnering closely with payroll vendors to ensure employees are paid accurately and on time.  

• Providing first-line people advisory support to employees and leaders, responding to queries on policies, processes, and employee lifecycle matters.  

• Preparing employment agreements, contract variations, and other employment documentation.  

• Supporting onboarding, internal movements, and offboarding activities while ensuring employee records remain accurate and compliant.  

• Partnering with the wider People Services team to deliver an exceptional employee experience through responsive, professional, and customer-focused support. 

• Maintaining data integrity across HR and payroll systems and supporting continuous improvement initiatives that simplify processes and enhance service delivery.  

• Contributing to annual people processes, including remuneration and performance review activities.  

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

With experience spanning both payroll and HR administration within Europe, we are seeking a highly organised professional who enjoys delivering exceptional service while balancing multiple priorities. 

To be successful in this role, you'll bring: 

• Proven experience coordinating payroll, ideally across Italy and other European countries.  
• 3+ years' experience in HR coordination, including employment administration, contracts, and employee lifecycle support.  
• Strong knowledge of payroll and HR processes, practices, and compliance requirements.  
• Experience working with HRIS platforms, ticketing systems, and Microsoft Office applications, including Excel.  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Italian and English.  
• A customer-focused mindset with strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills.  
• Exceptional attention to detail, strong organisation skills, and the ability to manage competing deadlines.  
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach, with curiosity for technology and continuous improvement. 

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
• FlexWELL flexible work ethos; WFH & the office.
• Additional paid annual leave day per year (Zespri Day).

Apply Now! Applications close 22 July 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.

Agency

Zespri will not accept applications or contact from any temporary staffing agency, placement service or professional recruiter for this vacancy (“Agency”).

Where Zespri requires the support of an agency to fulfil a vacancy, we will proactively seek this support from our network of Agencies.  We respectfully ask that you do not contact Zespri or any of its affiliates/employees regarding vacancies, and reserve the right not to reply.

Zespri will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any fees, commissions or other payments related to such unsolicited resumes.