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?
Are you passionate about sustainability and ready to make a global impact? Reporting directly to the Chief Strategy & Sustainability Officer, our Executive Officer – Sustainability will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing a value-driven sustainability strategy for Zespri and the kiwifruit industry, aligned with our business goals through 2035.
As the Executive Officer – Sustainability, you'll be the expert voice on sustainability within Zespri's Executive team, driving initiatives that influence our business practices across global markets and supply chains. You'll lead strategic projects that ensure our sustainability priorities are seamlessly integrated into Zespri's 2035 strategy, fostering governance at the Board level, accountability within the Executive team, and delivering strategic priorities that create value for both consumers and growers. This role will be instrumental in building capability and catalyzing change to secure leadership, buy-in, funding, and drive value.
Key Accountabilities
- Setting Vision and Strategy: Setting a clear sustainability vision, co-created with the Chief of Strategy & Sustainability and Executive Team, aligned to the 2035 business strategy, and accompanied by strategic initiatives to realise value.
- Strategic Execution: Identifying and driving the delivery of sustainability initiatives to improve performance in the short and long term, supporting Board governance and driving innovation.
- Galvanising and Collaborating for Change: Inspiring and working alongside Zespri leaders to create conditions for change, manages strategic relationships, represents the industry globally, and demonstrates strong ethical leadership.
- Leading Sustainability Capability Development: Defining the operating model for sustainability, leading a Sustainability Centre of Excellence, empowering team members and developing talented managers and teams.
- Collective Accountability: Working as part of the Executive Team to advance Zespri’s sustainability leadership, contributing positively and proactively to Zespri-wide issues.
Ko wai koe? Who are you?
We are looking for a dynamic leader who can inspire and influence through collaboration with stakeholders across the business, industry, and external partners. The successful candidate will possess:
- Global experience in sustainability leadership roles (within FMCG, primary sector or consumer-facing businesses) with a focus on strategy development and execution.
- Expert technical knowledge of sustainability topics, standards, and requirements, especially related to fresh produce.
- Previous experience leading sustainability at the executive level in a global co-operative business (advantageous)
- Proven ability to influence change across complex, multiple markets through the entire value chain/industry.
- Strong analytical skills to understand ambiguous and complex issues and translate them into business opportunities and actionable plans.
- Commercial acumen to value and lead the advancement of models for valuing ESG in a business.
- Stakeholder influencing skills to manage or support sustainability programmes at Board Director, Executive, and external CEO levels.
- A relevant tertiary qualifications (such as sustainability, business and/or related fields)
- Executive education which demonstrates ongoing professional development in areas such as sustainability, business management, innovation, leadership, science.
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, 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 16 May 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.
