Operations Supervisor

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?

Zespri is a proudly grower-owned and established organization. We carry the innovative and cooperative spirit of our industry’s pioneer growers and an unrelenting focus on delivering delicious, healthy, top-quality kiwifruit to our consumers every time. Zespri Kiwifruit is known for being the best in the world – and it’s one of the healthiest fruits in the world. Everyone involved in our supply chain, from orchard to plate, has a single-minded focus on premium quality and premium value.  

In the context of a highly seasonal business centered around the variable supply of a perishable product, the Operations Supervisor is broadly responsible for working closely with key stakeholders to exceed the customer expectations of delivering high quality fruit imported from New Zealand and ZGS (Non- New Zealand) supply. 

Based in Tokyo or Kobe, this important individual contributor role is responsible for achieving the following main objectives: 

• Improve profit margins by minimizing fruit loss (due to defects) and quality claims by optimizing inventories across extensive Japan supply chain network. 
• Ensure efficient and seamless flow of best quality kiwi fruits to customers by managing storage capacity and capability at 3PLs in Japan and taking proactive actions to address deficiencies if any. 
• Ensure relevant fruit quality and other operational information is communicated to New Zealand Head Office and global operational teams as required. 
• Maintain high quality standard of fruits by collaborating with the Japan Operations Manager and other stakeholders through Japan Supplier Accountability program (global quality management process) and fruit condition checking process. 

Key Responsibilities include: 

• Optimization of Fruit Quality to Zespri Consumers 
• Management of In Market (Japan nationwide) Quality Outturn  
• Minimization of Waste with Effective Inventory Management Processes  
• Information Management 
• Manage 3PLs to ensure optimal fruit quality and inventory 
• Management of contracted checking staff in Japan terminals 
• Stakeholder Management 
• Performance Management 
• Training & Audit 

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

We are looking for a strong team player who possesses excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Having experience in multicultural customer and staff management, internal controls and project management, you will also possess: 

• 5+ years in an operations, logistics, quality control or customer service role.  
• Experience using SAP or another ERP system preferred. 
• Fluency in both Japanese and English. 
• Ability to work with people from various cultures.  
• Highly developed negotiation skills, with the ability to demonstrate patience, decisiveness and persuasiveness as required. 
• Computer skills, especially Excel, and use of SAP or another ERP system. 
• Ability to gain the confidence of a wide range of individuals but specifically customers, service providers, senior management and staff. 
• An understanding of market access and food safety issues involving fruit. 
• Good data analysis skills. 
• Ability to work independently and unsupervised. 
• Tertiary qualification in science, agriculture, or related discipline (preferred) 
• Highly positive mindset for learning new things with curiosity, and eagerness to make things improved continuously in order to achieve superior standards 

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, including a Short-Term Incentive scheme opportunity
• 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).
• Global Life and Permanent Disability Insurance.
• Group Medical Insurance benefits.

Tono mai inaianei! Apply Now! Applications close 13 September 2024.

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.