Compliance and Investigation Specialist

Date: + Oct 2024

Location: Mount Maunganui, NZ

Company: Zespri Group Limited

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?

Join Zespri as a Compliance and Investigation Specialist and play a vital role in maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of our Industry Assurance Programmes—primarily GLOBAL.G.A.P. You’ll be at the forefront of ensuring compliance with national laws, local regulations, and Zespri’s own high standards, while also leading investigations and resolving issues in collaboration with external stakeholders.


In this crucial role, you’ll manage industry complaints, provide technical support for incident management, and investigate non-compliances to safeguard Zespri’s reputation. You’ll also work closely with the Industry Compliance Manager, supporting investigations into critical issues like worker exploitation and regulatory breaches. By actively engaging with growers, industry stakeholders, and external bodies, you’ll help drive continuous improvement and enhance Zespri’s Assurance Programmes.


Key Responsibilities:


Investigate and manage complaints related to orchard activities, reporting findings and recommendations to the Industry Compliance Manager and key stakeholders.
Support investigations into worker exploitation, conducting orchard visits and interviews to ensure Zespri upholds its social responsibility commitments.
Conduct audits of grower and contractor activities to protect Zespri’s integrity and reputation.
Initiate corrective actions for non-compliance with Zespri’s standards and legal requirements.
Manage incident reports related to supply chain and market failures, providing analysis and developing recommendations for continuous improvement.
Collaborate with regulatory bodies to manage and resolve investigations in a non-contentious manner.
Influence third-party stakeholders to strengthen the industry’s approach to compliance.
Ko wai koe? Who are you?

You hold qualifications in Quality Management, Compliance, Employment Law, Social Sciences, or a related discipline.
You bring 5+ years of experience in compliance, regulatory enforcement, or legal fields, with a background in agriculture, social responsibility, or sustainability being a bonus.
Experience in the New Zealand horticulture industry is highly regarded.
You have strong investigative skills, especially in high-risk areas like labour exploitation, along with incident management and de-escalation expertise.
You have experience working with international standards (e.g., GLOBALG.A.P., ILO Labour Standards) and national regulations (e.g., Labour, Immigration, Food Safety, etc.), or you’re eager to learn.
Your communication and reporting skills are exceptional, and you’re tech-savvy with proficiency in tools like Word, Excel, SharePoint, and CRM systems.
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 +00+ 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.
Convenient Mount Maunganui office location, with free onsite parking.
Your daily dose of Vitamin C with free kiwifruit!

Tono mai inaianei!


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. Read more