Grower Relations Manager - Organic

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Zespri is seeking a Grower Relations Manager – Organics in Mount Maunganui (fulltime, onsite) to be the essential link between Zespri and the organic kiwifruit growing community. You will lead engagement and communications, support certification and orchard gate return factors, facilitate cross functional collaboration through the Organic Management Committee, oversee market allocations, and represent Zespri with industry groups and during pre commercial trials with Biogro, OANZ and the Organic Exporters Association. The ideal candidate holds a relevant qualification, has strong horticulture or organics experience, excels in relationship building and presenting, and can drive outcomes through collaboration across product, market and supply chain. Be flexible, travel as needed, and tailor your CV to highlight impact on grower value; apply by 11 February 2026.

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?

Our Organic portfolio plays a strategic role in Zespri’s ambition, riding one of the fastest growing trends in food and delivering significant value to growers. As the Grower Relations Manager – Organics, you will be the key interface between Zespri and the organic kiwifruit growing community. Reporting to the Grower & Industry Engagement Manager, you’ll work closely with the Global Product Manager – Organics and cross functional teams across supply chain, certification, grower extension, market teams, and senior leadership.

This role is centered on advocacy, communication, relationship management and industry leadership — ensuring organic growers are connected, supported, informed, and empowered.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead engagement and communication with Organic growers, ensuring they’re informed, connected and supported through updates, events and regular touchpoints.
• Support information flows on factors influencing Organic orchard gate returns, including production, certification, fruit quality and market access.
• Facilitate cross functional collaboration by leading the Organic Management Committee and working closely with product, market and supply chain teams.
• Oversee Organic market allocations and provide timely insights to growers on supply chain and market execution.
• Represent Zespri across industry groups, fostering strong relationships and positively influencing grower sentiment.
• Support pre commercial Organic trials and maintain strong relationships with key industry bodies including Biogro, OANZ and the Organic Exporters Association.
• Contribute to the wider Grower Relations team through portfolio ownership, information flow, and supporting strategic decision making.

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

You will bring:

• A relevant tertiary qualification.
• Strong industry experience and broad sector knowledge, ideally within horticulture or organics.
• Excellent relationship management, communication and presentation skills.
• Broad understanding of horticulture and Zespri’s grower ecosystem.
• Ability to work flexibly, including evenings/weekends as needed, and travel domestically and internationally.
• Proven experience leading work programmes and driving outcomes through collaboration.

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 Wednesday 11th 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].

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.