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 Certification Development Lead is responsible for identifying, evaluating and leading the implementation of new customer and market access requirements, legislation, standards and certifications across orchard and post-harvest functions to support the ongoing supply of kiwifruit to various markets and customers.
This includes future-proofing our compliance assurance systems and ensuring they remain flexible to the changing needs of our customers. This role also strives to maintain and enhance the trust and confidence of Zespri’s consumers, customers and regulators by actively and consistently mitigating risks related to food safety, environmental sustainability and social and ethical responsibility in all countries of production.
The Certification Development Lead will also manage a range of projects and change processes that enhance Zespri’s assurance programmes across the kiwifruit industry.
Key Responsibilities include:
- Completion of the Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) Refresh Programme of work.
- Identify and evaluate existing and emerging internationally recognized certifications across key areas of environmental sustainability and social and ethical responsibility to determine which are most appropriate for the kiwifruit industry both New Zealand and ZGS Supply.
- Lead the project team, with support of EPMO, Global Extension and Global Supply to implement new certifications across the industry.
- Provide leadership and support to the Quality Systems team to implement version updates of existing assurance programmes across growers and post-harvest. This includes regular updates to the GLOBAL G.A.P and GRASP standards, Organic Certification and GFSI certifications.
- Lead the development of training plans required for industry stakeholders to meet the requirements of changes to existing standards and implementation of new certifications.
- Support Market Access with requests from customers regarding new certifications, including gap analysis and other information to demonstrate the comprehensiveness of existing programmes and certifications.
- Manage internal and external stakeholders including industry engagement with NZKGI, growers, supplier entities, post-harvest facilities and Government officials (MPI and MfE) to ensure strong collaboration and stakeholder engagement that enables delivery of new and updated programmes.
Ko wai koe? Who are you?
We are looking for an individual who has detailed knowledge, understanding and experience working with assurance programmes such as GLOBALG.A.P. and GRASP, GFSI, Sedex and SMETA as well as legislative requirements eg Food Act. The successful candidate will also have:
- A Tertiary qualification in Horticulture, Food or Science related disciplines (desirable)
- 7+ years relevant work experience in Food Production, Supply Chain or Policy/Standards Setting roles
- A basic understanding of the kiwifruit industry
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- The ability to critically review and process technical and regulatory information
- A high level of accuracy and attention to detail
- Excellent change management skills, with the ability to identify resistance to change and develop change management strategies including training and resource transition plans.
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 and benefits.
- 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 27 April 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.
