Pre & Post Harvest Specialist

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?

We are currently seeking a Pre and Post Harvest Quality Specialist to join our Zespri Global Supply (ZGS) team in Fukuoka, Japan. Reporting to the Japan Supply and Post Harvest Manager, this position plays a pivotal role in delivering exceptional fruit quality across our entire supply chain - from orchard through to post-harvest. This is a hands-on, high-impact role where you’ll blend technical expertise, data, and collaboration to ensure consistency, performance, and continuous improvement across the Japan supply system.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Driving critical pre-harvest quality processes, including crop estimation, maturity clearance, and residue programmes
• Harnessing data-driven insights to strengthen quality monitoring, inform decision-making, and proactively manage risk
• Supporting post-harvest quality and operations, from packhouse compliance and audits through to optimising storage performance
• Leading and contributing to technical trials and innovation, enhancing fruit quality and long-term storability
• Strengthening end-to-end quality systems and continuous improvement initiatives across the Japan supply network
• Building trusted relationships with growers, packhouses, and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment and high-quality execution

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

With a strong technical foundation and a passion for quality, you thrive in roles where you can combine data, collaboration, and continuous improvement. You will also bring:

• 3+ years’ experience in a similar commercial or supply chain role
• Strong data management capability (Excel or equivalent tools) and a structured, analytical approach
• Experience working with quality systems, compliance, or technical processes (food/agriculture experience preferred)
• Fluency in English and Japanese
• A valid Japanese driver’s licence and willingness to travel locally
• A collaborative mindset, with the ability to build strong relationships across a diverse stakeholder group
• A proactive, improvement-focused approach with strong communication and decision-making skills
• A relevant tertiary qualification

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 making it happen, creating real connections, and leaving a legacy. 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.

Apply Now! Applications close 6 July 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.