Key Account Manager

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?

The Key Account Manager DACH is responsible for driving Zespri’s sales growth and brand development across the DACH region, with a primary focus on Germany. The role manages key retail accounts, strengthens strategic partnerships, and executes retail initiatives to grow the kiwifruit category and enhance Zespri’s in-store brand presence.

Key Responsibilities

1. Business Development & Stakeholder Management
- Support and execute Zespri’s growth strategy within DACH region.
- Drive market growth initiatives and identify new business opportunities.
- Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

2. Sales Growth & Customer Development
- Grow volume and value through strategic partnerships with B2B customers, including Joint Business Planning (JBP).
- Develop and implement trade marketing and point-of-sale (POS) initiatives to maximise brand visibility and sales performance.
- Lead retailer-specific activations, shopper marketing campaigns, and omnichannel engagement activities.
- Create targeted sales and trade marketing materials.
- Manage category development, assortment, and merchandising strategies to grow the kiwifruit category across channels.
- Partner with the local KAM team on Customer Funds management, including ROI modelling, monitoring, and optimisation of channel and shopper investments.
- Collaborate closely with the Market Manager DACH and Trade Marketing Lead to respond to market, competitor, shopper, and supply changes.
- Provide sales forecasting and day-to-day customer business support.
- Analyse performance data, identify growth opportunities, and implement improvement initiatives.

3. Market Intelligence & Category Insights
- Monitor market trends, competitor activity, pricing, and category performance.
- Provide market insights and recommend proactive or corrective actions.
- Ensure retailer and distributor agreements are effectively executed.

4. Team & Global Collaboration
- Contribute positively to the European and Global teams.
- Actively participate in discussions and initiatives that support Zespri’s strategic direction and future growth.

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

With a minimum of 5 years’ experience in Sales and Trade Marketing, the Key Account Manager is also expected to fulfill the following:

• Strong knowledge of the German retail landscape and proven experience working with leading German retailers.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to drive data- and insight-led decision-making.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel.
• Native German speaker with fluent English communication skills.
• Preferably within the FMCG or fresh produce industry.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and networking skills.
• Results-oriented with strong leadership capabilities.
• Proactive mindset with strong problem-solving skills.
• Agile, adaptable, and able to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team.
• Able to perform effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel regularly within the DACH region.

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, including a Short-Term Incentive scheme opportunity. 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 30 October 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_._

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.