Licence Specialist

**Date**:26 Sep 2024

**Location**: Mount Maunganui, NZ

**Company**:Zespri Group Limited

**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?**:
Zespri and New Zealand’s Kiwifruit growers have made significant investments in proprietary kiwifruit varieties since the launch of SunGold in 2010 and more recently RubyRed. With approximately 10,000 hectares now licensed and valued at $7.5B, the future is bright for these varieties, and market demand will continue to drive new licences until 2030.

As a Licence Specialist, reporting to the Licence Team Lead, you will play a critical role in ensuring the effective management of Zespri’s proprietary licences. You will oversee the issuing, auditing, and management of licences, ensuring strict adherence to terms and conditions, protecting Zespri's Plant Variety Rights (PVR) investment, and maintaining grower equality. This is a 12 month fixed term contract.

The core responsibilities of the role will include;
- Manage the administration, reporting, issuing, and auditing of proprietary licences.
- Support the Gate Sales Agreement programme and maintain the Licensed Varieties page on the Canopy.
- Provide first-level technical support for licence queries and assist during licence pre-validation, auction, and allocation.
- Support the issuance of commercial licences for Pre-Commercial Trial growers.
- Assist in the administration and allocation of licences, providing analysis and recommendations during the annual licence release.
- Process and document licence transfers, extensions, and orchard sales.
- Collaborate with internal teams to ensure policy adherence and process improvement.
- Handle licence-related financial matters, including debt collection and invoice authorisation.
- Conduct orchard visits and GPS audits to verify licence changes and address disputes.

**Ko wai koe? Who are you?**:
You excel in building strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders, and your excellent communication skills are crucial in navigating challenging conversations. You’ll also bring:

- Strong investigative, analytical, and negotiation skills.
- Ability to handle complex legal/contract documentation.
- Proven experience in legal administration or contract management.
- Agility, time management, and dispute resolution skills.
- High proficiency in software tools (Word, Excel, SAP, CRM, SharePoint).
- Experience with licensing or PVR is a bonus, but not essential.

**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 900+ 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 being personally connected, results-driven, and committed to guardianship. 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).
- Additional paid volunteer day to volunteer within your community (Volunteer Time).
- Global Life and Permanent Disability Insurance.
- Group Medical Insurance benefits.
- Convenient Mount Maunganui office location, with free onsite parking.
- Your daily dose of Vitamin C with free kiwifruit

**Tono mai inaianei