Quality Manager, Europe

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?

The Quality Manager Europe provides strategic leadership, governance, and expert oversight for product quality, compliance, and customer experience across Zespri’s European third party logistics (3PL) network and customer supply chains. Sitting as a key member of the European Supply Chain leadership team and reporting to the Head of Supply Chain, Europe, the role leads a team of quality specialists responsible for delivering advanced quality insights, driving continuous improvement, strengthening capability across the supply chain, and managing regional quality governance and customer claims.

While day to day hub quality operations are executed by the Logistics Operations Manager and Hub Managers, the Quality Manager sets the strategic quality direction for Europe, defines standards, ensures compliance, and partners closely with both commercial teams and the Global Quality function. This role ensures Zespri consistently delivers on its brand defining quality promise to European customers and consumers—while serving as the critical bridge that translates market insights into global standards, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Accountabilities:

• Strategic Leadership of the European Quality Function
• Ownership of Cost of Quality (CoQ), Customer Claims & Customer Experience
• Regional Quality Governance & Compliance Leadership
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Market Leadership
• Insights, Allocation, and Decision Support
• Audit Leadership, Training & Capability Development
• Building the Bridge to Global Quality & NZ Post-Harvest
• Leadership Contribution to the European Supply Chain Team

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

We are looking for an individual with in depth experience in Quality Management Systems and knowledge of audit and compliance programs. You will also meet the following criteria:

• Line or Team Management experience is essential, alongside leadership experience in a strategic or governance role.
• Thorough knowledge of Quality Systems and sound understanding of product (preferably fruit/fresh produce/FMCG) handling and storage practices.
• Able to understand information and data to make data-driven decisions.
• High standard of personal integrity.
• Excellent command of English Language

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

Tono mai inaianei! Apply Now! 

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.