Quality Compliance Specialist

Zespri; Bologna; On-site; EUR 39,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

FlexWELL flexible work ethos; WFH &amp

Zespri Day

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Group Medical Insurance

Job summary

Zespri, based in Bologna, seeks a Quality Compliance Specialist to plan and execute audits across the supply chain, promoting quality consistency across the European industry and supporting broader Northern Hemisphere activities. This 12-month fixed-term role reports to the Quality Systems Manager.

The ideal candidate will have GLP knowledge, fruit export experience, and travel availability across Europe; fluency in Italian & English is required.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical mindset with ability to turn data into insights.
• Fluency in Italian and English.
• Valid driving licence with good track record.
• Willingness to travel nationally and within Europe (France, Italy, Greece, etc.).
• Knowledge of GLP and quality standards (GLOBALG.A.P., BRCGS, IFS).

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, monitor and follow up the Coolstore Audit Programme across Europe.
• Audit supplier labs for operational performance and GLP.
• Run Consistency Audits across Pre and Post-harvest facilities.
• Develop and standardise procedures with Quality Systems Lead and warehouse teams; contribute to DQS planning.
• Support Market Access by collaborating with Phytosanitary Services and chemical companies.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Education

Degree in Agricultural, Biology, Food or Applied Sciences

Tools

Power BI

Python

R

Databricks

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

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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?

Based in Bologna, the Quality Compliance Specialist is an integral part of the Zespri Global Supply Quality Systems team and reports to the Quality Systems Manager. The primary purpose of this position is to plan and execute audits across the supply chain in accordance with established quality protocols and standards, promote quality consistency across the European industry and Service Providers, and contribute to broader Northern Hemisphere Supply Quality activities.

Please take note that this is a 12 months fixed term opportunity.

Accountabilities

• Own the coordination, monitoring and follow-up of the Coolstore Audit Programme acrossEurope.
• Audit supplier internal and external laboratories for operational performance,effectiveness and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).
• Run Consistency Audits across Pre and Post-harvest facilities, including quality auditors,storage and temperature management.
• Develop and standardise operational procedures with the Quality Systems Lead and warehouse teams; contribute to defining DQS (Documented Quality System) planningparameters.
• Support the Market Access function by collaborating with Phytosanitary Services andchemical companies to ensure regular updates on CPP development.
• Address quality issues identified through audit programme and work collaboratively withrelevant Zespri teams to ensure appropriate follow-up.
• Provide support to the broader Northern Hemisphere Supply Quality team, contributing tocross-functional activities and collaboration as required.

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

The ideal candidate will have solid knowledge of fruit export requirements and sampling methodologies. You will also fulfil the following:

• Possess a Degree in Agricultural, Biology, Food or Applied Sciences, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Fluency in Italian and English.
• Valid driving licence with good track record.
• Available to travel nationally and within Europe (France, Italy, Greece, etc.)
• Solid knowledge of fruit export requirements, sampling methodologies, Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and quality standards, including GLOBALG.A.P., BRCGS and IFS.
• Strong computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Office 365. Knowledge of Power BI, Python, R or Databricks would be an advantage.

Technical Capabilities

• Strong analytical mindset, with the ability to turn numerical and field data into clear, actionable insights.
• Ability to break down information into component parts and identify patterns and relationships.
• Ability to investigate root causes and seek additional information to develop a complete understanding of issues.
• Ability to make sound, rational judgements based on available information and analysis.
• Ability to develop practical and workable solutions to a range of problems.
• Understanding of how individual issues connect to wider systems, processes and interdependencies.

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 EUR39,000 and EUR43,000. 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).
• Global Life and Permanent Disability Insurance.
• Group Medical Insurance benefits.

Applications close 27November 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 [e-mail].

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.