Communications Lead - Industry

Zespri International; Mount Maunganui; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

FlexWELL flexible work ethos; WFH &amp

office

Additional paid annual leave day per 1

Free onsite parking

Free kiwifruit

Job summary

Zespri is seeking a Communications Lead - Industry to shape and deliver its global industry communications programme. This fixed-term 12-month role reports to the Global Communications Manager and drives clear, timely communications to growers and industry stakeholders in line with Zespri's strategy.

You will lead content across publications, presentations, grower updates, and digital channels, and provide strategic communications guidance on projects that affect industry partners.

Qualifications

• Proven experience developing and delivering strategic communication plans.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, translating complex information into clear content.
• Experience partnering with senior leaders to provide trusted communications advice.
• Ability to build relationships and influence across diverse stakeholders.
• Experience leading projects and managing multiple priorities in fast-paced environments.
• Collaborative leadership with coaching or mentoring experience.
• Strong digital communications capability across modern platforms and channels.
• Comfort with emerging technologies, including AI tools, to enhance outcomes.
• Experience in New Zealand's primary sector or horticulture is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and delivery of Zespri's industry communications strategy and annual programme.
• Develop engaging content across publications, presentations, grower updates, and digital channels.
• Provide strategic communications advice to projects impacting growers and stakeholders.
• Build strong relationships with internal teams and industry stakeholders; ensure relevant, audience-focused communications.
• Manage and continuously improve key industry communication channels.
• Lead and develop the Industry Communications team to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Apply insights and AI tools to enhance engagement and effectiveness.

Skills

Strategic communications

Stakeholder engagement

Content creation

Digital communications

Leadership

Mentoring

AI tools

Education

Tertiary qualification in communications

Tools

Microsoft Copilot

Job description

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.

Job Description

He aha te mahi? What's the role? This is a 12 month fixed-term contract. The Communications Lead - Industry is a global role reporting to the Global Communications Manager. This position plays a critical role in shaping and delivering Zespri's industry communications programme, ensuring growers and industry stakeholders receive clear, timely, and engaging communications that support trust, understanding, and alignment with Zespri's strategy.

You’ll Be Responsible For

• Leading the planning and delivery of Zespri's industry communications strategy and annual communications programme.
• Developing engaging content across a range of channels, including publications, presentations, grower updates, and digital communications.
• Providing strategic communications advice and support to projects and initiatives that impact growers and industry stakeholders.
• Building strong relationships with internal teams and industry stakeholders to ensure communications are relevant, effective, and audience-focused.
• Managing and continuously improving key industry communication channels and platforms.
• Leading and developing the Industry Communications team to deliver high-quality communication outcomes.
• Using insights, analytics, and emerging technologies, including AI tools, to enhance communication effectiveness and stakeholder engagement.

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

With a relevant tertiary qualification and significant experience in communications, stakeholder engagement, or corporate affairs, you will bring the skills and experience needed to succeed in this role.

You Will Also Meet The Following Selection Criteria

• Proven experience developing and delivering strategic communication plans and programmes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, engaging content.
• Experience partnering with senior leaders and stakeholders to provide trusted communications advice.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships and influence across a diverse stakeholder group.
• Experience leading projects and managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• A collaborative leadership style with experience coaching, mentoring, or leading others.
• Strong digital communications capability, including experience with modern communication platforms and channels.
• A continuous improvement mindset and confidence using emerging technologies, including AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot, to enhance communication outcomes.
• Experience in New Zealand's primary sector, horticulture, agriculture, or a comparable industry would be an advantage.

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.
• FlexWELL flexible work ethos; WFH & the office.
• Additional paid annual leave day per year (Zespri Day).
• Convenient Mount Maunganui office location, with free onsite parking.
• Your daily dose of Vitamin C with free kiwifruit!

Applications close 20 September 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].