About this role
<div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px">Kō wai mātou? Who are we?</H2> </div><div><p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:14.0px"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">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.</span></span></p> </div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px">He aha te mahi? What's the role?</H2> </div><div><p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">We are seeking a Market Manager Italy & MED to join us in a pivotal leadership role within our European business. Having responsibility for one of Zespri's most exciting growth markets covering Italy, Greece and Malta, this position plays a key role in shaping the future of our brand, accelerating category growth, and delivering commercial success across a dynamic and highly competitive region. Reporting to the Head of Sales Europe and based in Milan, this is an opportunity to own the commercial agenda for a market with significant growth potential. You'll work at the intersection of strategy and execution - developing winning market plans, strengthening customer partnerships, influencing category growth, and bringing our premium brand to life for consumers. As a member of the Europe Sales Leadership Team, you'll also contribute to broader regional priorities and help shape the future direction of Zespri across Europe. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">This role will:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Lead the commercial strategy for Italy & MED, identifying where to play and how to win to unlock sustainable growth and value creation. </span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Build and strengthen strategic partnerships with key customers, distributors and retailers, driving long-term growth and mutual success. </span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Partner closely with Marketing to elevate the Zespri brand and create compelling shopper and category growth initiatives. </span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Drive commercial excellence across demand planning, pricing, forecasting, promotional investment and performance management. </span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Inspire and develop a high-performing team while fostering strong collaboration across Europe and our global business. </span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Champion innovation, challenge the status quo, and identify new opportunities to grow both the category and the Zespri brand.</span></li> </ul></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px">Ko wai koe? Who are you?</H2> </div><div><p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">With significant commercial leadership experience in FMCG, fresh produce, or related consumer goods industries, you will thrive in dynamic environments where strategic thinking and execution excellence go hand in hand. You will also possess:</span></p> <p> </p> <ul> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">10+ years' experience in FMCG or fresh fruit sales, including key account leadership experience.</span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Experience across areas such as category management, trade marketing, sales operations, or business development. </span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Proven success developing and delivering commercial and market growth strategies. </span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Strong leadership capability, with experience leading teams and influencing across complex cross-functional environments. </span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Advanced customer negotiation, category management and relationship-building skills. </span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Strong commercial acumen, budgeting expertise and analytical problem-solving capability. </span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">A degree (or equivalent qualification) in Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, or a related discipline. </span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Fluency in both English and Italian.</span></li> </ul> <p> </p></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px">He aha e tika ai a Zespri? Why Zespri?</H2> </div><div><p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">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.</span></p> <p> </p> <ul> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">The base salary for this position is between EUR 75,000 - 95,000 plus a performance-based short-term incentive scheme (for employees who meet the eligibility criteria) and benefits. Please note that individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies, performance and work location.</span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">FlexWELL flexible work ethos; WFH & the office.</span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Additional paid annual leave day per year (Zespri Day).</span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Two additional paid leave days for you to proactively support the moments that genuinely boost your mental, physical, emotional, and social wellbeing (Boost Days).</span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Global Life and Permanent Disability Insurance.</span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Group Medical Insurance benefits.</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Tono mai inaianei! Apply Now! Applications close 27 July 2026.</strong></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><em>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].</em></span></p></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px">Agency</H2> </div><div><p> </p> <p><em><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS, Helvetica, sans-serif">Zespri will not accept applications or contact from any temporary staffing agency, placement service or professional recruiter for this vacancy (“Agency”).</span></em></p> <p> </p> <p><em><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS, Helvetica, sans-serif">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.</span></em></p> <p> </p> <p><em><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS, Helvetica, sans-serif">Zespri will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any fees, commissions or other payments related to such unsolicited resumes.</span></em></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> </div></div></div>