Market Research Director/Manager - Greater China

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?

As Market Research Manager, Greater China, based in Shanghai, you will lead the regional market research and insight agenda, partnering closely with senior leadership to ensure insight is deeply embedded in business decision making. 

This is a true business partnership role. You will work directly with senior stakeholders who value research, trust its accuracy, and rely on you to help translate complex business questions into clear research direction, insight and action. 

Your focus will be on delivering timely, connected learning that helps the business stay future fit and maintain a competitive advantage - balancing strategic thinking with practical execution in a fast paced, evolving environment.

Key accountabilities include:

• Acting as a strategic insight partner to senior leaders across Marketing, Sales, Trade Marketing and Strategy, translating business briefs into high‑impact research and clear recommendations.
• Leading the development of a regional insights framework across consumer, shopper and customer insights to support predictable growth in Greater China.
• Identifying and unlocking sources of growth by analysing category drivers, consumer needs and behaviours, anticipating future market shifts, and localising global insights for regional impact.
• Delivering connected, analytical insight by defining the right data and integrating multiple data sources to inform business decisions.
• Conducting regional competitive analysis, monitoring competitor strategies, strengths and weaknesses.
• Supporting brand, communications and campaign development, including creative testing, media optimisation and budget allocation insights.
• Providing insight across the product portfolio, including product validation and supporting the landing of global pricing strategy in‑market.
• Delivering insight across route‑to‑market and shopper behaviour, informing Perfect Store, tactical pricing and in‑store execution.
• Leading research partner relationships and governance, ensuring quality, value and impact from research investment.
• Driving continuous improvement and transformation in research approaches, including the thoughtful application of AI, digital tools and evolving methodologies.
• Collaborating with the global market research community to support cross‑regional learning and alignment.

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

You are a senior, commercially minded market research leader who enjoys working closely with the business and turning insight into confident decision making. You will also bring:

• 10+ years’ market research experience, ideally within FMCG, retail or similarly fast paced, complex environments.
• Strong in house experience, partnering directly with senior stakeholders to shape business decisions.
• Proven ability to build trust and credibility at senior level through clear, high quality insight.
• Strong business and analytical capability, able to translate commercial questions into impactful research and timely learning.
• Deep experience across consumer, shopper, retail and brand research, leading end to end programmes with confidence.
• Leadership experience, with the ability to influence across functions and navigate change.
• An open, positive mindset.
• Confidence using AI, digital tools and emerging research approaches.
• An adaptable and resilient approach, thriving in fast paced environments and responding confidently to change.

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, 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 30 April 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.