France Industry Liaison Lead

**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?**:
Zespri Global Supply (ZGS) is responsible for supplying kiwifruit to Zespri in the New Zealand off-season. ZGS has operations in Italy, France, Greece, Japan and Korea. The supply volumes and numbers of growers is increasingly rapidly as new orchards come into production. ZGS needs to establish a strong interface with the kiwifruit industry in France to maintain and enhance its industry relationships over the short, medium, and long-term and to ensure Zespri to command a brand presence on retailer shelves for 12 months of the year.

Reporting to the Head of Europe Industry, the France Industry Liaison Lead will ensure there are strong connections in place with the kiwifruit industry in France. The person will be involved in the development and implementation of an industry communication and engagement programme for ZGS in France, working closely with the core ZGS Industry Liaison team in Italy.

Based in Dax, this role is expected to contribute positively as a key member of the French and European ZGS team by:

- Building and maintaining strong relationships and trust between French suppliers, French growers and Zespri, in order to grow and expand kiwifruit production and orchard performance
- Developing an understanding of the French industry and grower landscape and opinions/views
- Optimizing licensed hectares and average productivity results through working with the industry regarding non performing growers
- Managing proactively a French strategic dialogue between Zespri and its partners to allow reaching ZGS strategy goals
- Developing and taking part to engagement programme with the French industry
- Coordinating and organizing CTA meetings, roadshows and other meetings as appropriate
- Managing the license process in terms of respect of contract terms by growers and suppliers
- Facilitating and support the setup of annual terms of trade
- Involvement in eventual allocation of new hectares managing data base entries

**Ko wai koe? Who are you?**:
We are looking for a driven individual who has a well established network within the French horticultural industry. You will also have:

- 5 to 10 years' experience in the kiwifruit industry or in the horticultural industry
- Written and verbal fluency in French and English at a conversational, business and technical level
- Extensive knowledge and understanding of the structure and operations of the French kiwifruit industry with experience of production and supply models
- Ability to build a high level of trust and confidence and to collaborate effectively with stakeholders to achieve business goals
- Excellent interpersonal, networking and negotiation skills
- Well-developed written & verbal communication and engagement skills
- Be degree qualified in a relevant discipline

**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 being personally connected, results-driven, and committed to guardianship. Join us in shaping our future and be part of a truly unique organisation.
- Competitive overall remuneration package, including a Short-Term Incentive scheme opportunity
- FlexWELL flexible work ethos; WFH & the office.
- Additional paid annual leave day per year (Zespri Day).
- Additional paid volunteer day to volunteer within your community (Volunteer Time).
- Global Life and Permanent Disability Insurance.
- Group Medical Insurance benefits.