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?

The Operations Manager will be based in our Tokyo office, reporting directly to the Head of Supply Chain APAC. You will be responsible for working with key stakeholders in order to continuously improve the following:

Optimization of Fruit Quality
- Ensure that the Zespri brand proposition of premium taste, firmness and appearance is maintained and enhanced.
- Ensure strong support and resource for trials/ commercialization of any new varieties.

Delivery Performance
- Optimise routes to market and track delivery metrics.
- Set targets and implement improvement plans for performance gaps.
- Oversee logistics, warehousing, customs, and collaborate with business group managers to ensure timely delivery.
- Drive ready-to-eat and ripening programmes to enhance consumer experience.
- Maintain robust claims and inter-check processes with retail-level fruit quality data capture and analysis.

Inventory Management & Waste Reduction
- Develop inventory policies that balance service levels, costs, seasonal demand, fruit quality, and replenishment cycles.
- Monitor forecasts and quotas to assess operational impact.

Procurement and Supplier Management
- Execute strategic and tactical supplier management plans with 3PLs for all key suppliers in Japan, ensuring functioning processes to avoid costly delays and lost opportunities.

Budget & Risk Management
- Oversee budgeting and forecasting for Supply Chain and Operations.
- Enhance traceability, recall processes, and inventory visibility for optimal food safety response.
- Ensure compliance with Zespri’s operational policies.

Stakeholder Management
- Maintain internal and external industry relationships.
- Support strategic initiatives with insights and guidance.
- Lead short- and long-term operations planning and policy execution.

Performance Management
- Contribute to performance metrics, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.

Team Leadership
- Lead and motivate teams with a focus on performance.

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

We are looking for a strong team player who shows independence, workplace adaptability and is willing to go above and beyond to grow in the company. You will also meet the following criteria:

Effectively bilingual (native level Japanese proficiency and fluent English required to communicate with suppliers and HQ stakeholders)
Undergraduate or master’s degree; concentration in business/supply chain/logistics preferred
15+ combined years of experience in supply chain operations experience of Japanese market.
7+ years’ experience in people management position
Ability to build, discuss, and implement a wide range of topics from business strategy to the tactical execution of the strategy
Strong leadership and change management skills to build a high performing team in an evolving business environment
Experience in Imported products in Japan. Familiar with cold chain warehousing, cold chain ocean logistics, distribution management.
Understanding of FMCG industry, Fresh Produce industry preferred.

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. 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).
Additional Boost Day to support employee well-being and productivity.
Health, Pension, Employment, Global Life Insurance
Health Screening
Travel allowance (only for commute)

Tono mai inaianei! Apply Now! Applications close 4 September 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 careers@zespri.com.

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.

Operations Manager, Japan

Zespri