Supply Chain Development Manager

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Zespri is seeking a Supply Chain Development Manager in Mount Maunganui to shape and optimize its global supply chain, balancing long-term shipping strategy with building capability across markets. You’ll lead cross-functional projects, drive cost efficiency and sustainability, manage long-term shipping contracts with the Shipping team, and partner with market teams and network modelling to mitigate risks. The ideal candidate has 10+ years’ supply chain experience, strong commercial acumen, experience with SAP ERP or WMS, and proven project leadership; familiarity with primary industry supply chains is a bonus. To apply, tailor your resume to highlight shipping strategy, end-to-end process improvement, decarbonisation, and cross-functional influence. Applications close 23 February 2026. For accessibility, contact [email protected].

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 Supply Chain Development Manager plays a critical role in shaping and optimising Zespri’s end to end global supply chain as we continue to grow at pace. As a key member of our Global Supply Chain Development team, you will lead a range of initiatives across New Zealand and global markets, reporting to the Global Supply Chain Development Manager and partnering closely with market based supply chain teams, shipping, modelling, and cross functional colleagues.

With a focus split between designing and delivering Zespri’s long term shipping strategy and developing our global supply chain capability across markets, you’ll help ensure our supply chain is set up to enable value creation, quality delivery, cost optimisation and sustainability outcomes.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Connect NZ based supply chain development projects with global markets and ensure effective delivery.
• Lead supply chain reviews and improvement activity in new and emerging markets.
• Identify, communicate and mitigate supply chain risks, particularly relating to shipping.
• Partner with the network modelling analyst to support global modelling work.
• Build strong relationships with NZ and global supply chain teams to understand and resolve structural inefficiencies.
• Lead the long term (2+ year) global shipping strategy.
• Manage, with the Shipping team, planning and negotiation of major long term shipping contracts.
• Optimise global end to end supply chain processes, including NZ side and market side capacity and capability.
• Drive shipping related strategic goals, including decarbonisation initiatives.
• Set and deliver sustainability targets in partnership with cross functional teams.
• Plan and execute activities tied to Zespri’s 2035 strategic priorities.
• Lead full lifecycle delivery of supply chain development projects.
• Engage and motivate cross functional teams to achieve project outcomes.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement across supply chain teams.

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

You’ll bring a deep understanding of complex supply chain environments and a strategic mindset to help shape Zespri’s future global network. With strong commercial acumen, excellent relationship skills and a passion for continuous improvement, you thrive in collaborative, fast moving environments and can confidently influence across a diverse set of stakeholders.

Your Skills & Experience:

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering or similar.
• 10+ years’ supply chain experience across areas such as warehouse operations, transport/shipping, planning, and strategy.
• Experience using continuous improvement tools and methodologies.
• Proven project management experience across complex initiatives.
• Strong commercial acumen, negotiation, and influencing capability.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and strong working relationships.
• Experience with SAP, ERP or WMS (APO, SD modules).
• Exposure to primary industry supply chains is an advantage.

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).
• Two additional paid leave days for you to proactively support the moments that genuinely boost your mental, physical, emotional, and social wellbeing (Boost Days).
• 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 23rd 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].