Operations Manager, 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?

Based in Shanghai, the Supply Chain Operations Manager will be responsible for overseeing end-to-end supply chain operations, including in-market supplier accountability, fruit flow management, budgeting, inventory, cold chain management, quality assurance, supply planning, purchasing, and stakeholder management. This role requires strong leadership to manage a large team and ensure operational excellence in vessel discharge, 3PL management, transportation, quality management, supplier accountability management, packaging, ripening, and sustainability, while implementing strategic initiatives for efficient supply chain management. The Supply Chain Operations Manager will also spearhead system implementations, such as SAP S/4HANA, and develop processes for cost management and sustainable supply chain practices.

Key Accountabilities

• In-market Supplier Accountability Management for China
• Supply Chain Strategy Development 
• Operation Management & Fruit Flow
• Budget Management & Costing
• Planning & Supply
• Inventory Management
• Cold Chain Management
• Quality Management
• Packing & Production Management
• Ripening & Transportation Management
• Procurement and purchasing 
• Product/Variety Portfolio Management
• Team Leadership
• System Implementation & Maintenance
• Stakeholder & Sustainability Management

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

We are looking for a strong team player who has strong supply chain background and commercial awareness. Being result driven with strong problem solving skills will be the key to success, and you will also possess:

• Bachelor degree in Horticulture, Food Science, Supply Chain management, Business Administration related major.
• Fluent in business Mandarin and English.
• Supply network planning capabilities
• IBP (Integrated Business Planning) and ITP (Integrated Tactical Planning) capability
• 3PL, inventory planning and warehousing management experience
• ERP implementation and optimisation capability and experience, particularly SAP S/4HANA
• Experience in supply chain operations continuous improvement
• Operations and quality management techniques, such as Six Sigma, Lean, and 5S
• Knowledge in market access, importation, and customs clearance
• Data analytical skills and advanced reporting capabilities

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 and benefits. Please note that individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies and performance.
• FlexWELL flexible work ethos; WFH & the office.
• Two additional paid leave days for you to proactively support the moments that genuinely boost your mental, physical, emotional, and social wellbeing (Boost Days).
• Additional paid annual leave day per year (Zespri Day).
• Premium Medical Insurance (VIP Outpatient)
• Life, Income & Permanent Disability Insurance

Tono mai inaianei! Apply Now! Applications close 8 May 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.