Quality Assessor at zespri

zespri; Mount Maunganui; Hybrid; NZD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Zespri Day

Boost Days

Global life and disability insurance

Group medical insurance

Job summary

Zespri in Mount Maunganui, NZ is seeking a Quality Assessor to audit facilities and ensure adherence to the Zespri System and external regulations. The role requires strong auditing and reporting skills and a proactive approach to quality improvements.

The position is full-time, on-site in the Bay of Plenty with occasional travel to various facilities. A driver’s license and flexibility for rosters are expected, along with strong MS Office proficiency.

Qualifications

• Industry experience in kiwifruit quality.
• Written and accurate reporting skills.
• Knowledge of MPI Phytosanitary and food safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive audits of facilities, maintaining audit plans and detailed reports.
• Attain and sustain the designation of a Zespri Quality Assessor.
• Cultivate partnerships with quality and compliance stakeholders across functions.
• Execute regulatory audit plans covering Phytosanitary measures, NZ Customs, and global food safety standards.
• Craft and execute audit strategies prioritising risk mitigation and improvement.
• Communicate quality expectations to industry partners and address market-flagged issues.

Skills

Kiwifruit quality

Auditing

Report writing

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Quality Assessor

Date: 7 Sept 2026

Location: Mount Maunganui, NZ

Employment type: Full time on site

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?

Join us at Zespri, where the pursuit of kiwifruit perfection drives everything we do. Quality is critical to our success , if you’re a passionate individual who would love to join us on our exciting journey, we’d love to hear from you. As a Quality Assessor at Zespri, you'll play a pivotal role in upholding the impeccable standards we're known for. Your main task will involve conducting thorough audits of industry facilities to ensure adherence to the rigorous Zespri System, encompassing both our internal quality protocols and external regulatory frameworks. From MPI Phytosanitary standards to NZ Customs regulations and global food safety systems like GFSI, you'll be at the forefront of guaranteeing excellence every step of the way. In addition to your core responsibilities, you'll have the opportunity to engage in diverse projects and activities that push the boundaries of quality assurance. Based in the picturesque Bay of Plenty, you'll also embark on occasional travel to regional facilities across Northland, Nelson, Waikato, South Auckland, Whanganui, and Gisborne.

Your key duties will include:

• Conducting comprehensive audits of facilities, meticulously maintaining audit plans, compiling detailed reports, and ensuring accurate record-keeping.
• Attaining and sustaining the coveted designation of a Zespri Quality Assessor.
• Cultivating strong partnerships with industry stakeholders responsible for quality and compliance, fostering collaboration with Quality, Compliance, Cool store, Inventory, and Site managers.
• Executing regulatory audit plans for industry facilities, covering essential areas such as Phytosanitary measures, NZ Customs protocols, and global food safety standards.
• Crafting and executing audit strategies for the Zespri quality system, prioritizing risk mitigation and continuous improvement.
• Effectively communicating Zespri's quality expectations to industry partners, nurturing the development of robust quality frameworks.
• Promptly addressing and reporting quality issues flagged by the market, including customer complaints and claims.
• Collaborating seamlessly with fellow QA team members, offering support and expertise whenever needed.

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

To be successful in this role, you will meet the following selection criteria:

• Industry experience in Kiwifruit Quality.
• Writing and accurate reporting skills.
• Ability to develop sound knowledge of Zespri specifications, MPI Phytosanitary requirements, and GFSI Food Safety requirements.
• Experience in reviewing quality management systems and audit procedures.
• Confidence in using the Microsoft Suite – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and ability to be trained in the use of customised IT packages.
• Full NZ Drivers Licence.
• Flexibility and Availability: Willingness to accommodate flexible work hours, including weekends (rostered) and scheduled night shifts as per the facilities audit plan.
• Availability via phone/email, especially during the main season, is essential to meet operational needs.
• Visual acuity: Capability to pass an eyesight test to the required level, renewable every two years. This role requires the ability to accurately distinguish between colours, as colour identification is a critical part of assessing product quality and performing key job responsibilities.

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.

Benefits

• Competitive overall remuneration package, including a Short-Term Incentive scheme opportunity.
• Additional paid annual leave day per year (Zespri Day).
• Two additional paid leave days for you to proactively support the moments that genuinely boost your mental, physical, emotional, and social wellbeing (Boost Days).
• Global Life and Permanent Disability Insurance.
• Group Medical Insurance benefits.

Tono mai inaianei! 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].