Senior Programme/Project Manager

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.

Are you ready to lead transformational supply chain initiatives across Europe in a fast-paced, time-sensitive sector? This pivotal role offers the opportunity to coordinate and deliver cross-functional projects that directly support Zespri's operational excellence and long-term growth. 

As the Senior Programme/Project Manager - Enterprise Initiatives (Contract), you'll spearhead a high-impact business initiative focused on securing and operationalizing long-term 3PL capacity in optimal European locations. You'll be at the heart of a multidiscipline change program involving process, technology, infrastructure, people, and structure - ensuring stakeholder needs are met while optimizing spend. 

Please note this is a two year fixed term contract. 

Project Delivery: 

• Work with local and global teams to lead and deliver the European Supply Chain Implementation project through to operational handover, ensuring scope, risks, and dependencies are well managed across all workstreams.  
• Drive collaboration and change, partnering with business leads and project team members to execute successful change management strategies including communication and training.  
• Apply structured project governance, adhering to Zespri's delivery framework and project management disciplines to achieve high-quality outcomes efficiently. 

Project Management 

• Lead governance and resource planning by running SteerCo and working group forums, scheduling key meetings, and identifying internal and external resource needs.  
• Manage project execution and reporting, including tracking milestones, maintaining PMO tools, managing budgets, and conducting risk assessments and status updates.  
• Ensure accountability and success, escalating issues as needed, facilitating vendor procurement, and defining and reporting on success metrics. 

Stakeholder & Relationship Management 

• Build and manage strong stakeholder relationships, ensuring clear, consistent communication and collaboration across internal and external parties.  
• Facilitate input and alignment, working closely with stakeholders to gather well-defined requirements and influence key decisions across business units.  
• Coordinate cross-functional engagement, partnering with internal teams (e.g. ICT, Finance, Strategy, Risk) and external vendors to support efficient project delivery. 

Portfolio Management 

• Ensure strategic alignment, keeping projects focused on enterprise-level goals while managing dependencies with the Steering Committee and EPMO.  
• Champion project excellence, contributing to Zespri's delivery framework through quality assurance, continuous improvement, and lessons learned.  
• Lead and develop teams, proactively seeking feedback, mentoring project staff, and fostering knowledge sharing and best practices. 

We are looking for a proven global collaborator who has worked across international teams in matrixed organisations and who has excellent stakeholder engagement, communication, & change management capabilities. In addition, you will bring:  

• Project Leadership: 5+ years experience in project/programme management, ideally in fresh produce or perishable goods supply chains, with strong budget, resource, and vendor management skills.  
• Supply Chain Expertise: Solid understanding of end-to-end supply chain operations including logistics, procurement, and quality control, plus commercial acumen and attention to detail.  
• Tools & Methodologies: Skilled in project management frameworks (e.g. PMP, PRINCE2), toolsets, and risk/scope management. Quick to learn new systems and drive best practice.  
• Location & Flexibility: Based in and legally entitled to work in Belgium or the Netherlands, open to European travel, and comfortable with time zone coordination (especially with New Zealand).  
• Languages: Fluent in English; other European languages a plus. 

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
• FlexWELL flexible work ethos; WFH & the office.
• Additional paid annual leave day per year (Zespri Day).
• 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 at .

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.