Packaging Manager - APAC

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?

Reporting to the Head of Supply Chain APAC, the Packaging Manager APAC will be responsible for the maintenance, development and enhancement of Zespri Consumer packaging solutions, including materials, processes and systems. This position will enhance the value, minimize cost, ensure food safety and relevant regulatory requirements are met, improve sustainability and increase functionality of the product being offered to consumers.  

Based in either Tokyo or Singapore, key areas of responsibility include: 

• Ownership of the end to end full packaging development process.
• Strategy execution: Develop in-market packaging strategy and collaborate with all related teams in order to operationalize the plan and optimize portfolio harmonization.
• Build a sustainable and replicable process, leading adherence and implementing enhancements to packaging processes, systems and technologies that will drive efficiencies across the business, while continuing to reduce the environmental footprint in line with Zespri’s strategy
• Lead the quarterly packaging steerco sessions and approval processes of stages of development.
• Compliance of packaging materials to local, regulatory requirements for food safety and sustainability and Zespri specific sustainability targets.
• Execution of Technical Packaging briefs: to reflect and support the delivery of new consumer propositions in market working collaboratively across new materials, processes and systems, research partners and packaging suppliers to develop new packs and with the Growth team for development, validation and execution of future packaging solutions. 
• Create full visibility & data integrity of packaging produced for our Brand working closely to influence and guide distributors, suppliers and retailers to improve Zespri packaging SKUs. Includes collection of packaging data and entry into the system repository of packaging information analysis reporting. 
• Cost Optimization and Efficiency: Work with Procurement to develop and enhance business cases and contracts as required, including capital cost estimations, as well as packaging development and sourcing costs estimates for packaging solutions. 
• Process Compliance & Improvement: Leading adherence and providing suggested enhancements to packaging processes, systems and technologies that will drive efficiencies across the business, while continuing to reduce the environmental footprint in line with Zespri’s strategy.

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

We are looking for a strong team player who proven experience in packaging technology and/or business/packaging strategy development. The successful candidate will also have: 

• Strong technical competencies in packaging science including knowledge of substrates, structural design and manufacturing processes (across packaging formats/types)
• Experience with project management tasks and timeline development
• The ability to connect abstract thoughts and ideas and materialize into an actionable long-term packaging strategy
• Experience working with multi-functional teams to formulate objectives and action plans
• Analytical approach to problem solving and decision making
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills 
• Fully operational knowledge on packaging materials and systems, packaging lines automation and implications on packaging design & optimisation
• Fully operational in transportation and logistics principles
• Strong understanding of materials management
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong work ethic, desire to learn and be challenged, self-driven and motivated
• Able to think outside of the box and innovate
• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical /Industrial Engineering, or similar degree (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, 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.

Apply Now! Applications close 27 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.