Innovation Manager - Supply Chain

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 Innovation Manager (Supply Chain) position is focused on driving innovation within the supply chain platform to deliver long-term value for growers, shareholders, and stakeholders, focusing on storage and quality solutions. Collaborating with the Zespri Global Supply teams and industry partners, this position is responsible for Zespri’s Innovation initiatives aimed at enhancing fruit quality outcomes and efficiencies throughout the supply chain. 

This 12-month fixed-term role will provide global business support in understanding postharvest fruit quality attributes. Reporting to the Global Supply Chain Development & Insights, this role is a key thought leader in the business, offering innovative solutions to improve the technical management of both new (pre-commercial) and already commercialised cultivars. 

Key Responsibilities include:

• Stay updated on relevant innovation trends in the broader kiwifruit, agriculture and consumer goods industries.
• Develop strategy and plans – defining opportunities that support the Global Supply and Zespri strategies as well as target offerings. 
• Allocate and monitor budget allocations – making resourcing and budget requests through innovation planning sprints & the annual budgeting process.
• Lead individual projects through end-to-end innovation process, within the Fruit Physiology, Taste and Quality, and Engineered Supply Chain portfolios.
• Across the innovation process steps, manage projects, establish & lead the cross-functional portfolio team, coordinate broader organisational input into the portfolio and regularly report to/engage with senior internal audiences.
• Work with the Innovation Acceleration team to leverage global best practices, including innovation planning sprints, IP management strategies & pathways, and progression of projects through Innovation Project Management Office (PMO)
• Help drive a culture of innovation across the broader innovation team by modelling behaviours and values in line with the innovation culture and liaising within the broader Growth function.
• Lead and develop a world-class team from recruiting top talent, establishing objectives, driving training and development and supporting and mentoring team members to excel in their responsibilities.

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

We are looking for an individual who has solid functional Supply Chain experience. Possessing a growth mindset with personal flexibility, you will have proven expertise managing innovation initiatives with successful operational outcomes. The successful candidate will also have:

• 7+ years’ experience in a related role, preferably within a business environment, science management, team leadership, and/or commercial innovation.
• Demonstrated broad strategic thinking / mental acuity to formulate and debate cohesive workplans that will realise Zespri’s future potential aligned with business strategy and goals
• Strong organisational and project management skills within cross-functional, global teams with a track record of success.
• Strong relating and networking abilities, building long term relationships, managing conflict, gaining mutually beneficial outcomes, and team engagement.
• Strong technical knowledge and skills in fruit production (preferably kiwifruit) and quality and supply techniques.
• Capacity for driving or responding to change, dealing with ambiguity, and adapting to suit different circumstances / cultures, working across time-zones etc.
• Experience in working with government agencies or research institutes (advantageous)
• A Tertiary Qualification is required, preferably reflecting knowledge in supply chain and/or horticulture and plant science. A post-graduate degree is preferred.
• Executive education demonstrating ongoing professional development in innovation management, leadership, science or related areas would be beneficial.

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 23 March.

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.