Climate Change Manager

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?

Sustainability is at the heart of our strategy. Our dedicated Sustainability Team drives the vision, planning, and expertise needed to empower action across the business and industry—building resilience and unlocking value. 

We're now looking for a Climate Change Manager to join us in leading Zespri's enterprise-wide climate agenda. Based in Mount Maunganui and reporting to the Executive Officer (EO) for Sustainability, this role will shape the vision, strategy, and roadmap to achieve ambitious goals in decarbonisation, climate resilience and adaptation - while building capability and influencing stakeholders across our value chain, industry, and global markets. 

Key Accountabilities include:
Centre of Excellence - Collaborating across teams to address key issues, risks, and opportunities. Staying ahead of ESG trends and market shifts to help shape strategic direction, elevate Zespri's global sustainability profile, and contribute flexibly to major initiatives. Climate Vision, Strategy & Roadmap - Lead the development and ongoing refinement of Zespri's Climate Change strategy, aligning it with business goals and regulatory expectations including setting a bold vision, creating a multi-year transition plan, and driving innovation to accelerate decarbonisation and build resilience. Enterprise & Industry Leadership - Support the EO for Sustainability in aligning leadership across Zespri to drive ambitious climate action and build internal capability and engage industry stakeholders and represent Zespri in global forums to strengthen our climate leadership and influence policy outcomes. Decarbonisation & Emissions Reduction - Oversee delivery of Zespri's 2030 emissions reduction targets, manage reduction pathways across the value chain, ensure robust GHG tracking, and drive initiatives to harness carbon sequestration opportunities. Climate Resilience & Adaptation - Lead the delivery of Zespri's climate adaptation plans, integrating climate risk modelling into long-term strategies and partnering across the industry to scale resilient production and logistics solutions. Stakeholder Influence & Advocacy - Build strong relationships with key external stakeholders to support Zespri's climate agenda, and work with marketing & sales teams to communicate our climate credentials to customers and consumers. Capability, Culture & Innovation - Foster a culture of climate innovation by encouraging new technologies and partnerships, while building capability through tools, training, and mentoring leaders to strengthen climate expertise.  Ko wai koe? Who are you?

We are looking for an experienced senior leader who has experience in climate change, decarbonisation, or sustainability strategy, ideally within complex, multi-stakeholder environments. You will also have: 

Successfully developed and delivered enterprise-wide climate strategies, including emissions reduction and adaptation plans.  Confidence engaging at Board and Executive levels, with a proven ability to influence and align senior stakeholders.  A strong knowledge of climate disclosure frameworks (e.g. IFRS S2, TCFD), GHG accounting, and global climate policy trends.  Experience in the primary sector, agribusiness, or food supply chains—especially within co-operatives—is a strong advantage.  Familiarity with New Zealand and international climate and sustainability regulations.  Represented organisations in high-profile forums and know how to build global stakeholder relationships and advocacy.  A real passion about innovation and have a track record of building organisational capability in climate leadership. A tertiary qualification in environmental science, climate change, sustainability, agriculture, economics, or a related discipline.  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 overall remuneration package, including a Short-Term Incentive scheme opportunityFlexWELL 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.Convenient Mount Maunganui office location, with free onsite parking.Your daily dose of Vitamin C with free kiwifruit

Tono mai inaianei 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 at .

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.

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