Post Harvest Standards and Compliance 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?

As our Post Harvest Standards and Compliance Manager, you will play a critical leadership role within Zespri’s Global Quality Systems function. You will lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Zespri’s Quality Management System to ensure it aligns with our global strategy and meets all regulatory, customer, and market expectations.

You’ll safeguard the integrity of the Zespri brand by maintaining and enhancing the Quality and Phytosanitary System, ensuring post harvest facilities consistently uphold our quality, food safety, and phytosanitary requirements.

Key Responsibilities will include:

• Lead the development, implementation, and continual improvement of Zespri’s Global Quality Management and Phytosanitary Systems.
• Oversee all documented quality and post harvest processes, ensuring alignment with regulatory, customer, and market requirements.
• Manage food safety and phytosanitary risk, including certification, pest identification services, and incident investigations.
• Ensure export continuity by maintaining robust biosecurity and recall readiness processes.
• Provide technical leadership to global supply teams and maintain strong relationships with regulators, certification bodies, and industry partners.
• Publish and maintain global quality documentation and report on system performance to drive continuous improvement.

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

You’ll bring deep expertise in assurance programmes (GFSI, BRC, GLOBALG.A.P., GRASP, SMETA) and a strong understanding of regulatory requirements such as the Food Act. You’ll be confident navigating technical standards, leading change, and influencing across diverse stakeholder groups.

You’ll also bring:

• Strong technical and regulatory literacy
• Excellent communication skills
• High accuracy and attention to detail
• Proven change management capability
• Strong stakeholder and relationship management
• Ability to work under pressure with commercial awareness

Desirable:

• Tertiary qualification in Horticulture, Food, or Science
• 7+ years’ experience in Food Production, Supply Chain, or Policy/Standards roles
• Knowledge of kiwifruit industry systems
• Experience with environmental standards in food processing or manufacturing

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 900+ 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.
• 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 Tuesday 3rd February 2026

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 [email protected].