Head of Market Development, Japan & Korea

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?

At Zespri, we are looking for a Head of Market Development, Japan & Korea to join us and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of one of our most strategically important regions. Reporting to the President, Japan & Korea, with a matrix connection to our Chief Strategy Officer, this position sits at the intersection of strategy, growth and execution - helping define what success looks like for the next decade and ensuring we have the plans, capabilities and partnerships in place to achieve it. 

This is an opportunity to influence the direction of a world-leading global brand, translating long-term ambition into clear strategic priorities that unlock sustainable growth across Japan and Korea. A key advantage of this role being based in-market is the ability to develop strategy, oversee execution and provide practical, real-time feedback to global teams - ensuring plans are grounded in market realities and positioned for success. Working closely with senior leaders locally and globally, you'll connect the dots between market insights, commercial opportunities and organisational capabilities to turn strategy into action. 

As a trusted partner to the President, Japan & Korea, you will also play a critical role in leading and aligning the Territory's cross-functional agenda. While teams report through their respective functional lines, business success depends on strong horizontal collaboration. You will bring together diverse functions, create alignment around priorities, and foster collective accountability to deliver shared business objectives and accelerate growth outcomes. 

In this role you will: 

• Develop and champion the Territory's long-term growth agenda, creating a clear strategic vision and roadmap that aligns local ambitions with Zespri's global direction. 
• Identify emerging opportunities, market shifts and untapped growth potential, translating insights into strategic initiatives that create lasting value. 
• Partner with the Territory President and leadership team to define where we will play, how we will win, and the capabilities required to accelerate growth. 
• Serve as a trusted strategic advisor and key link between the Japan & Korea Territory and Global Strategy teams, ensuring strong alignment, visibility and prioritisation of key initiatives. 
• Leverage your in-market presence to oversee strategic execution, provide practical market feedback, and ensure global initiatives are effectively adapted to local opportunities and challenges. 
• Lead cross-functional alignment across the Territory, bringing together teams from across the business to drive collaboration, shared accountability and successful delivery of strategic priorities. 
• Facilitate strategic conversations and planning processes that bring clarity, alignment and focus across functional teams. 
• Lead and grow a high-performing Market Development team, fostering strategic thinking, strong commercial acumen and analytical excellence. 
• Build robust planning, measurement and performance frameworks that drive informed decision-making and enhance organisational effectiveness. 
• Anticipate market challenges and emerging risks while proactively shaping solutions that position the Territory for long-term success. 

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

We are seeking a commercially astute strategic leader with deep experience helping organisations unlock growth through rigorous analysis, strategic thinking and exceptional stakeholder engagement. You thrive in complex environments, are comfortable influencing at executive level, and bring a strong balance of strategic vision and practical execution. With a tertiary qualification in Finance, Business or a related discipline, the successful individual will ideally bring: 

• Experience from a leading consulting firm (e.g. McKinsey, Bain, BCG or Big 4), including the delivery of large-scale strategic initiatives.  
• Strategic planning, commercial finance, business development or market development experience within FMCG, consumer goods, food, agriculture or horticulture sectors.  
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, business modelling, data analytics and performance insights.  
• Strong commercial acumen including experience influencing business growth, investment decisions and long-term planning.  
• Proven people leadership experience, including developing talent, leading change and driving engagement across diverse teams.  
• Outstanding communication and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively across cultures and senior stakeholder groups.  
• A naturally curious, analytical and innovative mindset, coupled with a passion for creating long-term value 

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 & 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 24 July 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.