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.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Optimization of Fruit Quality to Zespri Customers: Plan and implement fruit quality control programs for the Japan market in collaboration with distribution partners, staying updated on arrival and storage quality, and ensuring prompt processing of fruit quality claims.
• Management Quality Outturn: Oversee the arrival quality inspection program to gather valuable quality data, support sales planning, and coordinate product recalls with distribution partners.
• Minimization of Waste with Effective Inventory Management Processes: Assist customers in developing effective inventory management programs and ensure adherence to Zespri standards for temperature, ethylene control, and storage.
• Cost of Quality Forecasting and Budget Control: Create a Cost of Quality (COQ) forecast, lead COQ consensus meetings, and present insights and performance drivers to key stakeholders.
• Product Quality Data Management, Analytics and Performance Management: Track and report quality information, convert raw data into actionable insights, and contribute to performance management metrics.
• Effective Team Leadership: Lead, empower, and engage quality team members, including contracted checking staff, with a focus on performance excellence and accountability.
• Training and Audit: Educate 3PL partners and customers on product characteristics, defect identification, handling procedures, and conduct regular audits to ensure high standards in quality control.

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 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 17 November 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.