Zespri International

Brand Manager, North America

Zespri International  •  $103k - $131k/yr  •  Newport Beach, CA (Onsite)  •  16 days ago
Expired
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Job Description

Ko wai matou? 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?

As North America Brand Manager, you’ll deliver high-impact, insight-led marketing that strengthens Zespri’s brand leadership, grows household penetration, and accelerates profitable sales growth across the U.S. and Canada. Working in a highly seasonal category, you’ll turn consumer and market insights into clear actions, partner closely with Trade and Sales to bring plans to life across every touchpoint, and help protect and grow our premium position.

You’ll work closely with the North America marketing team to align and launch the annual marketing plan, ensuring strong local execution that ladders to Zespri’s global and regional priorities.

This role is based in our Newport Beach, California office, with a minimum of 1-2 days per week working onsite.

In this role, you will:

  • Build and launch the U.S. and Canada annual marketing plan to deliver on Zespri’s growth strategy and objectives.
  • Deliver an integrated 360 marketing program (media, PR/influencer, packaging, promotions) on time and within budget.
  • Partner with Trade & Sales to win in-store and online, ensuring standout, consistent execution at every touchpoint.
  • Lead agency partners, track performance, share learnings, and use insights and ROI data to continuously improve results.

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

To thrive in this role, you’ll bring a blend of brand-building capability, commercial acumen, and the confidence to influence across a fast-moving, seasonal environment. You’ll also have:

  • Bachelor’s degree (MBA strongly preferred) and 5–7 years’ experience, including 2–3+ years in brand/product marketing within consumer products.
  • Proven people leadership experience, including direct team management
  • Strong strategic thinking and insight-to-action capability, with a sound understanding of brand marketing and integrated communications.
  • Confident stakeholder communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build strong cross-functional relationships.
  • Strong analytical and financial capability (P&L exposure preferred), plus the agility to adapt priorities as supply volumes shift.

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 900+ 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 organization.

  • The base salary for this position is between $102,820 - $131,381 USD plus a performance-based short-term incentive scheme (for employees who meet the eligibility criteria) and benefits. Please note that individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies, performance and work location.
  • FlexWELL flexible work ethos; WFH & the office.
  • Additional paid annual leave day per year (Zespri Day).
  • Two additional paid leave days for you to proactively support the moments that genuinely boost your mental, physical, emotional, and social wellbeing (Boost Days).
  • Global Life and Permanent Disability Insurance.
  • Group Medical Insurance benefits.

Tono mai inaianei! Apply Now! Applications close Wednesday 28 May 2026

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 International

About Zespri International

Welcome to Zespri, one of the world’s most successful horticultural marketing companies and New Zealand’s largest horticultural exporter, exporting kiwifruit to more than 50 countries around the world, managing 30 percent of the global volume.

Zespri is 100 percent owned by current and former kiwifruit growers and has a global team of 900 based in Mount Maunganui and throughout Asia, Europe and the Americas. Our purpose is to help people, communities and the environment thrive through the goodness of kiwifruit, and we work with 2,800 growers in New Zealand and 1,500 growers offshore to provide consumers with fresh, healthy and great-tasting Zespri Green, RubyRed and SunGold Kiwifruit.

In 2024/25, we supplied 220.9 million trays of kiwifruit to consumers in more than 50 markets, and recorded global operating revenue of NZ$5.14 billion.

We are committed to sustainability, with areas of improvement identified right through the supply chain including our pledge that by 2025 we will use 100 percent reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging, do more to help the environment, and work with our partners to be carbon positive by 2035.

Industry
Food & Beverage
Company Size
501-1,000 employees
Headquarters
Mt Maunganui, NZ
Year Founded
1997
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