Supply Chain Excellence Manager, Europe

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?

Reporting to the Head of Supply Chain, Europe and based in Antwerp, the purpose if the role is to  support excellence across the supply chain & commercial outcomes.

The Supply Chain Excellence Manager, Europe acts as the lead for supply chain excellence initiatives focussed on cost-to-serve, continuous improvement, productivity improvement and supply chain strategy projects providing governance, process and insights into the performance of the European Supply Chain. 

This role also acts as project lead for various supply chain projects driving the development of the future supply network, to ensure the European supply chain is fit for purpose in preparation for strong performance in the European market over the next 10 years.

The Supply Chain Excellence Manager, Europe will have three major focus areas:

Project Leadership

• Providing project leadership to the various supply chain initiatives.
• Cost-to-serve optimization
• Season planning /5YP /10YP
• Claims Analytics Developments
• Strategic scenario planning and development
• Supply Chain Digital development and transition
• Supply chain sustainability

Commercial management:

• Driving excellence in supply chain processes and operations to drive end to end efficiency and effectiveness.
• Provide commercial leadership in the European Supply Chain .  Collaborating with the EU Finance Business Partner to ensure rigour and accuracy in the budgeting and performance management.
• Scrutinise and advise on 3PL contract commercials etc; analyse and advise on 3PL performance.  Drive improvements in contractual and cost to serve outcomes in the current hubs and in the future network design.
• Manage the 3PL Contracts process and negotiate terms with partners in a timely manner. 
• Support monthly 3PL performance meetings and KPIs.  The Logistic Operation Manager takes the Lead.
• Support the Finance Supply Chain Business Partner on the forecast process robustness and ensure appropriate management reporting particularly with forecasting direct costs.
• Support building financial literacy in the European Supply Chain team.

Future network design

• The aim of the future network design is to drive profitable EU business growth by designing a thorough and optimized network which will help to ensure supply chain agility, responsiveness and customer service with minimal cost to serve.
• The role will be part of a cross functional team that includes the Supply Chain Development EU and Procurement, with support from the European Supply Chain team and the broader European leadership team.
• Lead the data gathering, reporting and building of the financial scenarios, that contribute to the overall business case.
• Provide insights and ensure robust commercial decisions are made throughout the design project.
• This role will own the recommendations that lead to a favoured network scenario being proposed, approved and built to drive profitable EU business growth.

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

We are looking for a dynamic and strategic leader with a proven track record of managing managers and driving operational excellence. You bring 10–15 years of experience in Supply Chain, Logistics, Finance, or Business, including at least 5 years in senior leadership roles.

Your background includes hands-on operational expertise, ideally within FMCG, fresh produce, or distribution environments.

You are APICS certified (CSCP preferred) and hold Lean or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt credentials.

You are fluent in English, with Dutch as a plus, and are open to travel across Europe and potentially internationally.

You have evolved in multicultural environments and bring an international mindset, enabling you to navigate diverse teams and global business dynamics with ease

Technically adept, you have a strong grasp of product handling and storage practices, ERP systems like Oracle or  SAP S4 Hana (PP and MM modules), and possess sharp commercial acumen.

Your project management skills are top-tier, with a strategic mindset and the ability to influence stakeholders effectively.

You are a clear communicator, a sound decision-maker, and a person of high integrity who thrives on turning complex data into actionable insights.

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).
• Additional paid volunteer day to volunteer within your community (Volunteer Time).
• Global Life and Permanent Disability Insurance.
• Group Medical Insurance benefits.
• Your daily dose of Vitamin C with free kiwifruit!

Tono mai inaianei! Apply Now! Applications close 17/07/2025

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 [email protected].

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.