Technical Operations Lead

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 seeking a Technical Operations Lead to join our Zespri Global Supply Europe team. Reporting to the Technical Operations Manager Europe, this is a hands-on, technically focused role responsible for leading key post-harvest activities across Europe - helping strengthen pack-out performance, extend storage capability, and support Zespri’s year-round global supply of European-grown kiwifruit. 

Based in Bologna, this role sits at the heart of fruit performance, cool chain management and post-harvest innovation. You’ll work closely with packhouses, laboratories, universities, suppliers and Zespri technical teams to monitor inventory, lead storage trials, support new technology projects and ensure fruit quality is protected from packhouse through to market. 

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys combining science, data, operational execution and stakeholder collaboration to solve real-world supply challenges and make a tangible impact on fruit quality and performance.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading cool chain management activity, including stock monitoring and supporting European packhouses through the season. 


• Ensuring cold chain integrity across truck, charter vessel and container transport movements.


• Developing and managing the Long-Term Storage trial programme across Europe. 


• Driving execution of the Smart Monitoring Storage Library programme across France, Italy and Greece. 


• Coordinating storage trial resources with internal teams and external partners across key European locations.


• Partnering with Innovation and Global Technical teams to develop future storage trials that improve pack-out, storage duration and fruit quality. 


• Identifying, investigating and trialling new post-harvest technologies in collaboration with universities, suppliers, industry contacts and Zespri technical teams. 


• Building capability with supply partners, laboratories and packhouse teams to lift post-harvest performance. 


• Analysing and reporting trial outcomes in a structured, searchable format, including annual reviews and end-of-season performance analysis. 


• Managing purchase orders and invoice processing for the Technical Operations team, ensuring accuracy, compliance and timely approval.

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

You are a technically strong, curious and practical operator who enjoys working across the supply chain to improve performance, solve problems and build trusted relationships. You bring a structured and analytical approach, but you’re also comfortable being hands-on - working with packhouses, laboratories, suppliers and internal teams to turn technical knowledge into meaningful operational outcomes.

You’ll be someone who enjoys seasonal pace and variety, can manage competing priorities, and has the resilience and initiative to keep things moving in a complex, fast-changing environment.

You will bring:

• Fluency in Italian and English; French would be advantageous.


• The ability to coach, influence and build capability with suppliers, partners and packhouse technical teams.  


• 3-5 years’ experience in post-harvest operations. 


• Knowledge of kiwifruit production systems, pre- and post-harvest processes, cold store operations and inventory management. 


• Strong analytical capability, with the ability to interpret data, identify trends and understand whole-system interdependencies. 


• A clean driving licence and flexibility to travel within Italy, across Europe and internationally as required. 


• Strong planning, organising, writing and reporting skills.


• A degree in Applied Sciences, Biological Sciences or equivalent experience. 


• Flexibility around working hours, particularly during the main season from September to December, including some weekend work and out-of-hours accessibility when required.

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 base salary of between EUR45,000 and EUR57,000, including a short term incentive scheme opportunity. Please note that individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies, performance and work location.


• 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 12 August 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.