Head of In Market Supply Chain

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 Chief Supply Chain Officer, the Head of In-Market Supply Chain is a senior leader role within Zespri’s end-to-end supply team. This role will be based in Shanghai, Tokyo or Antwerp and holds full accountability for the operational performance and delivery of Zespri Kiwifruit from in-market arrival to customer. As part of the senior supply chain leadership team, this role oversees all in-market operations - from port arrival to final distribution - ensuring our fruit reaches consumers in optimal condition. 

Operating in a seasonal business and managing the complexities of a perishable product, this role drives excellence in inventory management, logistics, and warehousing for Zespri-controlled facilities. It also leads improvements in supply chain systems, people development, and consistent high-quality fruit delivery. 

Key Responsibilities include:

• Lead and develop a high-performing global team, empowering managers and fostering a positive team culture aligned with Zespri values, and prioritising safety and wellbeing. 
• Build a standardised, systemised supply chain across regions and cultures to maximise grower returns and meet customer needs. 
• Oversee fruit management practices and facility audits to ensure in-market quality.  
• Manage third-party contracts and KPIs for consistent high-quality fruit delivery. 
• Define and improve routes to market. 
• Manage logistics, warehousing, customs, and consumer pack production with robust data and claims processes. 
• Lead budgeting and forecasting, enhance traceability and recall, and ensure compliance with Zespri’s policies. 
• Support inventory policies balancing service, cost, and quality, and monitor forecasts for operational impact.
• Partner with NZ Supply and Global Quality leads to optimise seasonal delivery and reduce quality costs. 
• Share best practices, define metrics, and empower global teams to improve processes. 
• Maintain strategic relationships across Zespri and industry to inform decisions and represent Zespri in key initiatives. 
• Collaborate with the Head of Global Supply Chain Development & Insights to drive improvement and standardisation.  
• Ensure long-term planning for in-market operations to manage volume growth and seasonal variability.

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

We’re seeking a highly experienced and influential supply chain leader with a proven track record of managing complex global operations and leading regional teams across multiple markets. This role demands strategic vision, operational excellence, and the ability to drive performance and transformation across a dynamic, international supply network. The successful candidate will also possess:

• Familiarity with SAP systems, particularly Planning, APO, and SD modules.
• Proven ability to translate business strategy into effective operational execution.
• Demonstrated leadership and change management skills, with a track record of building high-performing teams in evolving business settings.
• A collaborative mindset and strong personal initiative, with integrity at the core of your approach.
• Experience in cold chain warehousing, ocean logistics, and distribution management.
• Understanding of the FMCG sector, with fresh produce industry experience (preferred).
• Strong analytical skills and a strategic, logical approach to problem-solving.
• A Master’s degree in business, supply chain, or logistics (preferred).
• Professional Supply Chain certification such as CSCP (highly 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 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 & 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 17 October 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.