Head of Strategy and Market Development - Europe
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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.
What's the role?
Based in Antwerp, the Head of Strategy and Market Development reports to the Territory President and Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer to develop a rolling 5-10 year Strategic Vision and Business Plan that aligns global and regional business priorities and action plans. The role collaborates with local functional heads to drive consistent regional and local implementation on an annual basis.
Accountabilities include:
* Collaborate with the Territory Vice-President to lead in-market strategy by managing the Market Development Framework, aligning it with the Territory’s 5-year and global plans, identifying white space opportunities, and integrating it into both pre-season and current season execution.
* Lead strategic cross-functional projects for the Territory focusing on genuine engagement from functions and delivering outcomes aligned with the Territory strategy
* Serve as the strategic link between Regional and Global teams by cascading corporate strategy, ensuring Territory project visibility in prioritization, and aligning global, regional, and local plans.
* Lead consistent execution of the Strategic Vision and Business Plan across the Territory by designing and delivering strategic workshops that align regional priorities with local actions and future capability needs.
* Guide the Market Development team by fostering performance and professional growth through continuous mentoring, clear guidance, and strategic support.
* Partner with Territory functional leads to align strategic priorities, embed enablers for long-term growth, support project prioritization through the EPMO, and provide insights to guide leadership decision-making.
Who are you?
We are looking for a strong people leader who has proven strategic and/or commercial experience in horticulture and FMCG sectors. With strengths in critical thinking, business development, strategic planning, and leadership you will also possess:
* Highly effective communication and influencing skills across the business, particularly at senior management level
* Experience leading major cross-functional projects, excellent project management skills with proven results
* Demonstrated expertise in leading complex change management initiatives. Drive transformation across functions and geographies. Skilled in aligning stakeholders around a shared vision, mitigating resistance, and embedding change through clear communication.
* High business acumen, strong innovative spirit and business process driven with a problem-solving mindset Experience in business modelling and data analytics (e.g. sales and marketing performance analytics)
* Excellent operational management driving accountability and delivery
* Independent, self-motivated, passionate and be able to work under pressure
* Proven relevant experience in strategy implementation within territory region
* Tertiary qualification in finance, business, sales or similar
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, 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.
Apply Now! Applications close 16 July 2025.
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 careers@zespri.com.
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.
Seniority level
* Seniority level
Director
Employment type
* Employment type
Full-time
Job function
* Job function
Marketing and Strategy/Planning
* Industries
Food and Beverage Manufacturing and Wholesale Food and Beverage
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