Trials Specialist

Zespri; Mount Maunganui; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration package

WFH & office flexibility

Extra annual leave day (Zespri Day)

Life and disability insurance

Group medical insurance

Free onsite parking

Free kiwifruit

Job summary

Zespri is seeking a Trials Specialist to lead field trials and deliver insights across new cultivars. This 14-month fixed-term contract reports to the Senior Trials Specialist and involves planning, coordinating, and delivering trials with growers and researchers.

You will collect and analyse data, prepare reports, ensure safety and adherence to protocols, and identify ways to improve trial processes and data quality. Based in Mount Maunganui with a dynamic, global team.

Qualifications

• Experience planning, coordinating, or supporting field trials, research projects, or operational programmes.
• Strong data collection, analysis, and reporting capabilities.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proven ability to build effective relationships with growers, contractors, researchers, and internal stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate technical information into practical insights.
• A proactive, curious, and continuous improvement mindset.
• Knowledge of horticulture, agriculture, research, or production environments would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Planning, implementing, and monitoring field trials to ensure successful delivery.
• Collecting, maintaining, and analysing trial data to generate actionable insights.
• Collaborating with growers, researchers, and internal stakeholders to execute trial programmes.
• Ensuring trial activities are conducted safely and in line with agreed protocols.
• Preparing reports and communicating trial findings to a range of audiences.
• Identifying opportunities to improve trial processes, data quality, and operational efficiency.
• Supporting the evaluation of new technologies, products, and growing practices.

Skills

Field trials planning

Data collection & analysis

Organisational skills

Relationship building

Technical communication

Continuous improvement mindset

Horticulture knowledge

Education

Background in horticulture/agriculture/plant science or related field

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.

He aha te mahi? What's the role?

The Trials Specialist role is a 14 month fixed-term contract, and a global position, reporting directly to the Senior Trials Specialist You'll play a key role in planning, coordinating, and delivering field trials that generate valuable insights to support innovation, grower outcomes, and continuous improvement across Zespri's new cultivars.

You will be responsible for:

• Planning, implementing, and monitoring field trials to ensure successful delivery.
• Collecting, maintaining, and analysing trial data to generate actionable insights.
• Collaborating with growers, researchers, and internal stakeholders to execute trial programmes.
• Ensuring trial activities are conducted safely and in line with agreed protocols.
• Preparing reports and communicating trial findings to a range of audiences.
• Identifying opportunities to improve trial processes, data quality, and operational efficiency.
• Supporting the evaluation of new technologies, products, and growing practices.

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

With a background in horticulture, agriculture, plant science, biological sciences, or a related field, and experience managing field-based activities or research programmes, you will meet the following selection criteria:

• Experience planning, coordinating, or supporting field trials, research projects, or operational programmes.
• Strong data collection, analysis, and reporting capabilities.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proven ability to build effective relationships with growers, contractors, researchers, and internal stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate technical information into practical insights.
• A proactive, curious, and continuous improvement mindset.
• Knowledge of horticulture, agriculture, research, or production environments would be advantageous.

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).
• Global Life and Permanent Disability Insurance.
• Group Medical Insurance benefits.
• Convenient Mount Maunganui office location, with free onsite parking.
• Your daily dose of Vitamin C with free kiwifruit!

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

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.