Operations Specialist, Japan

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 an Operations Specialist who can provide support to our existing Operations team. This is an execution-focused role responsible for maintaining operational discipline, financial accuracy, and system integrity across Japan operations. It enables leadership to focus on quality governance, commercial alignment, and strategic improvement by ensuring a strong operational backbone.


o Logistics & Documentation Control
- Manage goods receipt confirmation and import documentation verification
- Coordinate customs communication and permit handling
- Support air shipment samples and ad-hoc shipment coordination
- Ensure shipment data accuracy in SAP (S4 and ECC)

o Inventory & Data Reconciliation
- Conduct monthly and year-end inventory reconciliation (3PL vs. SAP S/4)
- Manage repack (assorting) yield reconciliation and validate outbound data
- Maintain master data accuracy
- Reconcile daily delivery and fruit loss, ensuring accurate SAP S/4 upload

o Financial & Budget Administration
- Manage PO and invoice processing
- Track overhead budget progress
- Support direct cost monitoring as required

o Administration & Compliance
- Manage vendor registration and contractor coordination
- Oversee supplies, equipment purchasing, and asset register
- Support regulatory documentation (fertilizer/pesticide related tasks)
- Manage residual testing samples and product specification documentation

o Project & Seasonal Support
- Support packaging and supply chain trials
- Provide seasonal operational and documentation support as required

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

We are looking for a strong team player with 3-5 years of hands-on experience in supply chain operations, logistics coordination, finance administration, or operational support roles. You will also possess:

• Understanding of supply chain operations, logistics documentation, and inventory control processes (FMCG or fresh produce industry preferred).
• Native proficiency in Japanese and English language.
• Strong Excel knowledge - Vlookup, Pivottable, consolidating, reconciliation, macro setup, etc.
• Working knowledge of SAP (ECC or S4) or similar ERP systems.
• Strong capability in data reconciliation, stock control, and master data management.
• Experience in PO and invoice workflow processing.
• Strong analytical and logical problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
• Process-driven mindset with strong compliance awareness.
• Effective cross-functional coordination skills with Finance, Quality, Operations, and external vendors.

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. 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).
• Two additional paid leave days for you to proactively support the moments that genuinely boost your mental, physical, emotional, and social wellbeing (Boost Days). 
• Health, Pension, Employment, Global Life Insurance
• Health Screening
• Travel allowance (only for commute)

Tono mai inaianei! Apply Now! Applications close 9 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 

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.