Commercial Supply Manager

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.

What's the role?

Are you ready to make a real impact in the world of fresh produce? Zespri Fresh Produce Italy is seeking a dynamic and strategic Commercial Supply Manager to drive excellence across procurement, allocation, and commercial operations. This pivotal role blends hands-on execution with high-level leadership, ensuring a resilient supply chain that delivers exceptional value to our growers, partners, and customers.

As a trusted partner to the Head of Supply Chain and senior stakeholders, you'll lead transformative projects that strengthen Zespri's supply chain model and fuel long-term business growth. If you're passionate about operational excellence and thrive in a fast-paced, international environment - this is your opportunity to shape the future of one of the world's most innovative fresh produce companies.

Key Accountabilities include:

• Supply Chain Operations & Leadership - Drive daily procurement, inventory, and allocation activities while ensuring compliance and accuracy. Build strong supplier relationships, monitor key performance indicators, and proactively manage risks to maintain business continuity.
• Commercial & Strategic Impact - Deliver analytical insights to support forecasting and planning. Influence procurement strategies, lead initiatives in efficiency and sustainability, and support investment decisions that enhance long-term value.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Influence - Collaborate across departments to align supply chain execution with strategic goals. Represent supply chain in leadership forums and mentor junior team members to build internal capability.
• Continuous Improvement & Industry Leadership - Champion Lean practices and process improvements. Strengthen sustainability and compliance, and stay ahead of industry trends and digital innovations to keep Zespri at the forefront.

Who are you?

We're looking for a seasoned professional who combines strategic thinking with operational excellence to drive real value across our global network. You will also have:

• 8–10 years' progressive experience in supply chain, procurement, or commercial operations - ideally within fresh produce, FMCG, or agri-food sectors.
• Proven expertise in supplier negotiations, contract management, and strategic procurement.
• Strong commercial acumen with advanced analytical skills and experience using ERP and supply chain planning systems.
• Fluent in both Italian and English, with the flexibility to travel domestically and internationally.
• A collaborative leader who influences across functions, drives results in complex environments, and mentors others to build capability.
• A degree in Supply Chain, Business, Economics, Engineering, or a related field.

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 31 October 2025.

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