Orchard Programmes Regional Manager

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 the Orchard Productivity & Extension Manager, the Orchard Programmes Regional Manager works with growers and technicians to lead orchard productivity and fruit quality improvements. This team has a responsibility in ensuring the ZGS business meets its objectives for improving grower profitability whilst allowing Zespri to keep its premium position on markets. In addition to lifting growers’ results through understanding the technical, regulatory and financial context of their production region, you will integrate this into the design of extension programmes.

Based in Saint-Paul-lès-Dax, the Orchard Programmes Regional Manager will focus on the orchard extension programmes for Gold3 growers in France, including the development and coordination of communication tools and channels across France as well as orchard visit, management of field trials and orchard application of Zespri Innovation research projects. Partnering with the other ZGS Europe team members and with key industry stakeholders will be critical to the success of the programmes.

Key Accountabilities include:

Extension Programmes

• Design and implement annual extension programmes for France to support Zespri’s strategic objectives, in agreement with the Orchard Productivity and Extension Manager Europe.
• Develop and maintain excellent relationships with growers, technicians and supplier partners for Gold3, as well as kiwifruit industry bodies in France.
• Ensure new growers are well integrated in the system and get tailored programmes.
• Organise and deliver field days and workshops in France, as appropriate to support growers and technicians, linking with experts as necessary.
• Set up the trial plan for the year, propose ideas based on findings from the previous season and/or other countries, run the technician meetings, and review ideas post meeting so that the trials will either answer a question, serve as a demo, or offer innovative solutions to issues faced.

Communication

• Develop and manage a set of tools to transfer information to the growers in an effective way.
• Run the communication programme for extension according to plan and in a timely fashion.
• Make sure created/acquired knowledge is transferred to growers using created channels/tools.
• Regularly assess the efficiency of the communication system.

Orchard Productivity Team and wider teamwork

• Work as a close team with Europe OPC team.
• Manage the Orchard Programme Officer objectives and activities.
• Keep abreast of Global OPC challenges and provide regular information from France to the wider Zespri industry as requested through symposium, journal articles or yammer.
• Be in close contact with other team members to transfer relevant information when needed and design extension events during the season.
• Be a regular contributor to communication tools within the Global Orchard Productivity Centre and to wider Zespri communication channels.

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

We are looking for a strong collaborator and true team player who has proven experience within the technical/science arena. Having familiarity with business relationship management practices in the horticultural/agricultural industry will be advantageous and you will also possess:

• A strong appetite for communication and relationships with the agriculture sector 
• Technical confidence in the areas of Microsoft office package, database and other admin support software tools
• Excellent stakeholder management skills and service and collaborative mindset 
• A good understanding of the local context (France) 
• The ability to travel nationally and internationally as required for training or other purposes 
• Knowledge of the kiwifruit industry (preferred)
• Written and verbal fluency in French and English at a conversational, business and technical level 
• Ability to work in international context 
• A graduate qualification in a science or horticultural/agricultural field (preferred)
• Driver licence B

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 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 & the office.
• Additional paid annual leave day per year (Zespri Day).
• Additional paid volunteer day to volunteer within your community (Volunteer Time).
• Global Life and Permanent Disability Insurance.
• Group Medical Insurance benefits.

Tono mai inaianei! Apply Now! Applications close 09/01/2025

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 by reaching out to our Talent Acquisition team via email at careers@zespri.com.