Quality Assessor at zespri

zespri; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration package

Zespri Day – additional paid annual LE

Job summary

Zespri Group Limited in New Zealand is seeking a Quality Assessor for a fixed-term, full-time on-site role based in the Bay of Plenty. The role involves auditing facilities to ensure adherence to the Zespri System and external regulatory standards, with occasional travel to regional sites across NZ.

You will work with Quality, Compliance and Site teams to strengthen quality frameworks, respond to market issues, and contribute to continuous improvement during the peak season.

Qualifications

• Experience in reviewing quality management systems and audit procedures.
• Writing and accurate reporting skills.
• Ability to develop knowledge of Zespri specifications, MPI Phytosanitary requirements, and GFSI Food Safety requirements.
• Full NZ Drivers Licence.
• Flexibility for weekends and night shifts as per audit plan.
• Availability via phone/email during main season.
• Ability to pass eyesight test and colour identification requirements.

Responsibilities

• Conducting comprehensive audits of facilities and maintaining audit plans.
• Compiling detailed reports and ensuring accurate record-keeping.
• Engaging with Quality, Compliance, Cool store, Inventory, and Site managers to ensure quality.
• Executing regulatory audit plans covering Phytosanitary measures, NZ Customs, and global food safety standards.
• Crafting and executing audit strategies for the Zespri quality system.

Skills

Audit planning

Reporting

Quality assurance

MS Office

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Apply for Quality Assessor at Zespri in NZ. This Full time on site position offers great opportunities for career growth. Date: 7 Sept 2026 Location: NZ Company: Zespri Group Limited

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 NewZealand 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 NewZealand’s best-known international brands, dedicated to creating sustainable long-term value for growers.

What’s the role?

This is a Fixed Term role until the end of November 2027. 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.

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.

Benefits

• Competitive overall remuneration package.
• Additional paid annual leave day per year (Zespri Day).

Our culture and diversity statement

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].

Agency policy

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.