Logistics 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?

Based in Tokyo, we are looking for a Logistics Manager who can help us to optimize our logistics capabilities and ensure all distribution centers in Japan are aligned with global standards.

The Logistics Manager plays a critical role in collaborating with key stakeholders to ensure the efficient and cost-effective movement, storage, and distribution of kiwifruit across Japan's supply chain network. Core responsibilities include selecting suitable 3PL partners, managing their performance, and ensuring that the Japan market operates with Zespri-standard physical and digital infrastructure.


Core Responsibilities

1. 3PL Performance Management and Audits 
Contribute to the 3PL and overall logistics performance management metrics/scorecard, driving root cause analysis, continuous improvement and corrective action plans for the designated area of work. Design and implement periodic 3PL facility audit or governance capability. 

2. 3PL Service Procurement
Collaborate with global procurement team to execute strategic and tactical 3PL service procurement plan in the Japan Territory, ensuring effectively functioning processes to avoid costly delays and lost opportunities.

3. Globally standard physical and digital infrastructure
Ensure all distribution centers in Japan are aligned with globally standard physical (racking system, product flow) and digital infrastructure (WMS, system integration) If required new facilities to be co-designed with 3PL partners.

4. Delivery Performance
Implement optimal routes to market within the defined strategy, implement  and  track  industry-standard  metrics  on  delivery  performance  to  customers, where appropriate. Recommend appropriate targets and put in place improvement plans where performance gaps exist. Manage inbound and outbound logistics, planning, shipping, warehouse, tax / import & export duties, customs clearance / handling and work closely with functional managers of business groups to achieve on time delivery. 

5. Budget & Risk Management
Manage budgeting and forecasting of all logistics related activities. Improve product traceability, product recall processes etc. to ensure best-in-class response to product quality and food safety issues. Ensure compliance with Zespri operational and quality policies, procedures and audits.

6. Stakeholder management and relations
Maintain relationships within Zespri and external industry contacts to ensure that broad global and Japan distribution trends are well understood and interpreted in a Zespri context. Develop and maintain professional, transparent relationships with key stakeholders, including but not limited to customers, service providers, importers, global Suppliers and local shipping operators.

7. Strategic project management and reporting
In partnership with the Global Supply Chain Development team, take a proactively  critical approach to drive continuous improvement of supply chain design and distribution strategy initiatives encompassing both processes, systems (3PL system integration, SAP systems enhancement) and resourcing.

8. Compliance, safety and ESG measures
Ensure logistics operations comply with safety regulations and company policies. Manage health and safety programs, including training staff on safe handling practices. Stay updated on industry/ government regulations and laws, including environment contribution requirements.

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

We are looking for a strong team player with a solid background in supply chain/ cold chain logistics or within the warehouse or distribution center scene. You will possess:
 

• 10 years of background in logistics operations of Japanese market.
• Experience in Imported products in Japan. 
• Familiarity with cold chain warehousing, cold chain ocean logistics, distribution management.
• Understanding of 3PL working, FMCG industry or Fresh produce industry preferred.
• Exposure to SAP ECC or S4
• Ability to build, discuss, and implement a wide range of topics from distribution strategy to the tactical execution of the strategy.
• Superior leadership and change management skills to build a high performing team in an evolving business environment.
• Undergraduate or master’s degree; concentration in business/supply chain/logistics preferred

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. Please note that individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies, performance and work location.
• 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).
• Health, Pension, Employment, Global Life Insurance
• Health Screening 
• Travel allowance (only for commute)

Tono mai inaianei! Apply Now! Applications close 24 January 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.

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.