Brand Manager, North America

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.