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:12.0pt;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></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;font-size:12.0pt">Based in Aprilia or Bologna, the AI Specialist plays a critical role in turning the data foundation into predictive insight and intelligent automation across the value chain for the Northern Hemisphere of Production (NHS). The role designs, develops, deploys, and maintains AI models with machine learning, deep learning, and Earth Observation (EO) at their core to deliver ZGS Data Strategy Activities and to create tangible value across the NHS value chain, from orchard to packhouse to market. Working within the broader Zespri digital Team, the role executes and supports the achievement of the ZGS Data Strategy into business as usual via direct collaboration with ZGS cross-functional teams.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Please note that this is a 12‑month fixed-term opportunity.</span></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Accountabilities:</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">AI/ML Solution Development & Deployment:</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Design, build, deploy and maintain production-ready AI/ML models.</span></li> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Establish and formalise AI/ML protocols, including model versioning, experiment tracking, and validation standards.</span></li> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Support MLOps practices: monitoring, retraining pipelines and production deployment.</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Earth Observation & Remote Sensing:</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Develop geospatial models and classification models using remote sensing and computer vision techniques.</span></li> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Develop, maintain, and enhance geospatial datasets, maps, and dashboards using geospatial tools (e.g. ArcGIS, QGIS, or similar platforms).</span></li> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Apply remote sensing foundation models to satellite imagery, working across the EO / geospatial stack and satellite data catalogues (e.g. openEO, Copernicus / Sentinel).</span></li> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Surface Earth Observation insights through user-facing tools.</span></li> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Ensure geospatial data governance, accuracy, and integration with enterprise systems.</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Experimentation & Upskilling</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Drive experimentation with emerging capabilities, new EO modalities, AI/ML, foundation models, and open-source tools that could step-change ZGS performance.</span></li> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Act as a ZGS reference point on AI/ML trends, ethics and governance.</span></li> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Contribute to the NHS data & AI literacy programme through workshops, demos and documentation. </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">Ko wai koe? Who are you?</H2> </div><div><p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">The ideal candidate is a high-potential, graduate-level position forming the backbone of the NHS Digital Automation & Intelligence Unit, combining strong academic grounding in AI with hands-on delivery in university projects or internship activities in real-world companies. You will also fulfill the following criteria:</span><br><br></p> <ul> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Remote Sensing or a related discipline.</span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Hands-on experience in developing and deploying AI/ML</span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Proficiency in Python and applying machine-learning fundamentals.</span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Exposure to computer vision techniques.</li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Working proficiency in English (written and spoken).</span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Knowledge of LLM-based agents or tool-using systems (multi-step orchestration, prompt engineering for structured outputs) and RAG systems (vector databases, retrieval pipelines).</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Good to have:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Experience with GIS tools (e.g., QGIS) and spatial databases (e.g., PostGIS)</span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Experience with Remote sensing foundation models (e.g. Terramind)</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">He aha e tika ai a Zespri? Why Zespri?</H2> </div><div><p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:12.0pt;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><br><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p> <ul> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Competitive base salary of between EUR39,000 and EUR49,500. 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;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">FlexWELL flexible work ethos; WFH & the office.</span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">22 days of Annual Leave</span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Life & Permanent Disablement insurance </span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Additional paid annual leave day per year (Zespri Day).</span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Meal allowance</span></span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Tono mai inaianei! Apply Now! Applications close<strong> <u>28 July 2026</u></strong></span><br><br><span style="font-size:12.0pt;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 </em><a href="mailto:[email protected]" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>[email protected]</em></a><em>.</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>