QA Team Lead

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?

We’re looking for a QA Team Lead (Fixed Term) to lead and manage the day-to-day operations of our 2026 temporary Product Assessor team (16 Fixed Term Product Assessors) within the Zespri Global Quality team. In this role, you’ll coordinate the team to deliver the Product Assessor audit programme efficiently and effectively, working closely with our QA Team Leads, technical and quality leaders, and key industry partners to resolve product quality and compliance issues throughout the season.

• Recruit, onboard, train and provide daily leadership for a team of 16 Fixed Term Product Assessors, ensuring capability and approvals to deliver required compliance programmes.
• Coordinate the PA team to ensure audit plans are executed efficiently and effectively, including real-time tracking, trending and analysis of programme data to close gaps.
• Work collaboratively with Technical and Quality managers, and with Post-Harvest and Pre-Harvest teams, to resolve product quality and compliance issues promptly.
• Act as a key contact point for kiwifruit industry quality teams, communicating and escalating issues effectively across Global Quality & Technical and wider Supply Chain teams.
• Maintain a strong Health & Safety focus, ensuring the team consistently meets Zespri and industry H&S requirements.
• Manage corrective actions and support the QA Training Coordinator with the QA sector of the Product Issue Notification System (PINS) where required.
• Optimise resourcing by assigning Product Assessors to facilities based on approvals, workload, facility size, geographic efficiency, and rotation requirements.
• Maintain PA and QA systems and registers to ensure information is accurate and up to date, and report critical issues to the Quality Operations Manager.
• Coach and develop the team through regular 1:1s, performance management, and training sign-offs to meet prescribed timelines and build technical expertise.

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

To be successful in this role, you’ll bring confident people leadership, strong quality/audit capability and the ability to build trusted relationships across Zespri teams and industry partners — especially during a fast-paced seasonal environment. You will also meet the following selection criteria:

• Full NZ Driver’s Licence (mandatory).
• People management experience, with the ability to motivate, set clear expectations, and hold others accountable.
• Sound knowledge of quality systems and compliance standards (e.g., GlobalG.A.P., GFSI/BRC) and audit/compliance programmes.
• Good understanding of fresh produce handling and storage practices; knowledge of export regulatory requirements (including MPI Phytosanitary) is desirable.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and confidently under pressure.
• Strong relationship-building skills, sound judgement, and consistent decision-making.
• Good time management and organisation skills, with a proactive and adaptable approach to change.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience maintaining registers/systems and working with data is an advantage.
• Zespri Phyto QA experience (desirable).

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 & the office.
• Convenient Mount Maunganui office location, with free onsite parking.
• Your daily dose of Vitamin C with free kiwifruit!

Tono mai inaianei! Apply Now! 

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.