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?
Zespri is regulated by Kiwifruit New Zealand, which oversees Zespri’s compliance with the Kiwifruit Export Regulations. These regulations support the Single Desk system that underpins the industry's success.
The purpose of this role is to lead Zespri’s Regulatory Affairs portfolio, ensuring compliance with the Kiwifruit Export Regulations. This includes designing and delivering decision-making and reporting processes to ensure leaders in the business are making informed decisions and reducing incidences of failure. The role will also manage the overall relationship with Kiwifruit New Zealand.
One key responsibility is to ensure Zespri meets its reporting obligations to Kiwifruit New Zealand with accuracy and timeliness. This involves collaborating with various business units to provide timely and accurate information and leading responses to any regulatory breaches to mitigate their adverse impact on the business and its reputation with Growers and the Industry.
The role focuses on building a regulatory environment that allows Zespri to fulfil its regulatory requirements while minimizing complexity and cost, allowing the business to concentrate on creating value for New Zealand growers.
Additionally, this role will lead the regulatory workstream of key strategic projects, ensuring accurate interpretation and application of regulatory requirements. Effective engagement with the Regulator will be crucial throughout these processes to ensure successful execution of priorities.
The role also encompasses leadership of relevant projects in regulatory, trade, and other public affairs areas. This involves working with Zespri’s Head of Global Public Affairs and the New Zealand Government and Community Manager to implement these projects. Representing Zespri with senior Government and Regulatory and Public Affairs stakeholders will be essential to strengthen the reputation of Zespri and the broader kiwifruit industry. Influencing policy and regulatory settings in the industry’s best interests is also a key part of this role.
Reporting to the Head of Global Public Affairs, this senior position is part of the broader Global Public Affairs Team and will contribute to all aspects of Zespri’s public affairs work, both in New Zealand and internationally.
Ko wai koe? Who are you?
The successful candidate will have:
- 10 + years’ experience in legal, policy/regulatory fields, or government relations
- Relevant tertiary degree
- Strong experience in the primary industries is preferred
- Demonstrated expertise in understanding and applying complex legal and regulatory issues in a commercial context
- Proven experience in building and maintaining influential relationships and networks with a wide range of influencers and stakeholders
- Strong understanding of the Kiwifruit Export Regulations and Zespri’s obligations under them
- In-depth knowledge of the New Zealand regulatory and political environment, including key players and processes
- Ability to act with a high level of autonomy and discretion
- Strong work ethic and be a committed team player.
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
- FlexWELL flexible work ethos; WFH and the office
- Additional paid annual leave day per year (Zespri Day)
- Additional paid volunteer day to volunteer within your community (Volunteer Time)
- 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 Sunday 2 March 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.
