Conditioning Technical Lead

Ko wai matou? 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 Post Harvest Operations Team Lead is responsible for delivering our early season fruit conditioning programme, ensuring fruit is supplied to in-market teams at the ideal ready to sell quality for a strong start to the season.

In addition to supporting and guiding the Conditioning team, this role works with key stakeholders to set expectations for each market during the conditioning period and makes timely, evidence-based decisions on each vessel voyage to ensure optimal fruit quality outcomes.

Between conditioning periods the role will identify and lead the delivery of prioritised improvement plans based on prior season performance and future needs.

Key accountabilities include :

Manage and develop the conditioning process, ensuring alignment with the Conditioning team and key stakeholders to deliver premium fruit to market.

Lead planning and implementation of the Conditioning Programme including recruitment, training, and risk management.

Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships, providing regular updates on status, risks, and issues.

Collaborate with technical and innovation teams to drive continuous improvement and advance programme quality.

Develop and support the Conditioning Team, fostering a high-performance culture and ongoing professional growth.

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

With a deep understanding of kiwifruit performance across storage time and temperature, you will also meet the following criteria :

Relevant degree in agriculture, horticulture or sciences.

An understanding of fruit and post-harvest operations.

Knowledge of fruit ripening processes and technical practices to influence ripening speed.

Strong analytical capability demonstrated in time sensitive environments with the ability to quickly assimilate data, draw conclusions and recommend actions.

Understanding of in-market supply chain operations, early season demand / supply dynamics, inventory management and impacts on fruit arrival firmness requirements.

Familiarity or experience of dealing with industry and commercial review processes.

5+ years' experience in a related role.

Proven people leadership experience.

Demonstrated ability to lead continuous improvement processes and oversee agreed project delivery.

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 ethos; WFH and 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.

Convenient Mount Maunganui office location, with free onsite parking.

Your daily dose of Vitamin C with free kiwifruit!

Tono mai inaianei! Apply Now! Applications close 19 October

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