Quality 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 Quality Manager who can provide leadership to our existing team and ensure our fruit quality through implementing quality control programs with our partners.

The Quality Manager is responsible for working with stakeholders to exceed customer expectations of delivering high quality fruit. This role will be accountable to ensure our Cost Of Quality remains minimal without impacting any service levels to customers.

1. Optimization of Fruit Quality to Zespri Customers

Plan and implement fruit quality control programs for the Japan market in collaboration with distribution partners. 
Stay updated on arrival and storage quality within the market, along with quality insights.
Monitor fruit loss and ensure fruit quality claims are received and processed promptly.

2. Management Quality Outturn 

Oversee the arrival quality inspection program to gather valuable quality data that aids in prioritizing load-outs and managing quality claims.
Implement arrival quality management to support sales planning and channel distribution, minimizing fruit loss.
Coordinate product recalls in close collaboration with distribution partners.
Manage the Ready-to-Eat programs where applicable, ensuring quality and readiness for the market.

3. Minimization of Waste with Effective Inventory Management Processes 

Assist customers in developing an effective inventory management program.
Work closely with the logistics team to ensure all five Japan Distribution Centers adhere to Zespri standards for temperature, ethylene control, and storage. Ensure corrective actions are implemented promptly when standards are not met.

4. Cost of Quality Forecasting and Budget Control 

Create a Cost of Quality (COQ) forecast that includes fruit loss and quality claims, employing statistical analysis and scenario modelling to enhance accuracy.
Lead COQ consensus meetings, presenting in-depth insights and performance drivers for the remainder of the year to all key stakeholders to facilitate informed decision-making.
Establish alignment especially with Sales and Finance for budget planning and progress management in order to contribute on sales and profit targets

5. Product Quality Data Management, Analytics and Performance Management

Track and report quality information of arrivals and existing stock across Japan's five Distribution Centers to promptly address quality issues and incidents that fall outside specifications.
Convert raw data (e.g., fruit loss, claims, defect percentages) into actionable insights that support informed decision-making.
Contribute to performance management metrics, such as Cost of Quality, Defect Percentage etc. by monitoring actual performance against established goals and presenting findings to leadership team.

6. Effective Team Leadership

Lead, empower, and engage quality team members, including contracted checking staff, with a focus on performance excellence and accountability.

7. Training and Audit

Educate 3PL partners and customers on product characteristics, defect identification, handling procedures, storage practices, and claim processes.
Ensure that quality control teams within 3PL  are well-informed on Zespri processes, facilitating accurate  handling of quality claims, inventory data, and quality reports.
Provide training and technical support to in-house quality supervisors, customers, and contract fruit checkers, promoting high standards in quality control.
Conduct regular audits of fruit quality upon arrival and monitor conditioning checking standards.

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

We are looking for a strong team player with a solid background in imported products or FMCG scene. You will possess:

• 10+ years in an product quality management and operations or role. 
• Understanding of product quality management practices of FMCG industry or Fresh produce industry preferred.
• Experience in Imported products in Japan. 
• Exposure to SAP ECC or S4 preferred.
• Ability to build, discuss, and implement a wide range of topics from quality management 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.
• Strong team player who demonstrates strong personal initiative and integrity
   

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.