Quality Compliance Specialist (Fixed Term 12m)

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

Benefits offered by this job

WFH & office

Annual leave (Zespri Day)

Life Insurance

Group Medical Insurance

Job summary

Zespri is seeking a Quality Compliance Specialist based in Bologna to lead audits across the European supply chain and promote quality consistency. This 12-month fixed-term role reports to the Quality Systems Manager and focuses on GLP, CPP updates, and cross-functional collaboration.

Ideal candidates will have a degree in Agricultural/ Biology/ Food, fluency in Italian and English, a valid driving licence, and willingness to travel across Europe.

Qualifications

• 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, GLP and quality standards (GLOBALG.A.P., BRCGS, IFS).
• Strong computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Office 365.
• Knowledge of Power BI, Python, R or Databricks would be an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Own the coordination, monitoring and follow-up of the Coolstore Audit Programme across Europe.
• Audit supplier internal and external laboratories for GLP and operational performance.
• Run Consistency Audits across Pre and Post-harvest facilities and develop SOPs with Quality Systems Lead.
• Support Market Access by collaborating with Phytosanitary Services and CPP developments.

Job description

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 across Europe.
• 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) planning parameters.
• Support the Market Access function by collaborating with Phytosanitary Services and chemical companies to ensure regular updates on CPP development.
• Address quality issues identified through audit programme and work collaboratively with relevant Zespri teams to ensure appropriate follow-up.
• Provide support to the broader Northern Hemisphere Supply Quality team, contributing to cross-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.

Tono mai inaianei! Applications close 27 November 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 at [e-mail].