Head of Legal Business Partnering

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.

What's the role

This is a rare opportunity to step into a pivotal global leadership role at the heart of Zespri's Risk, Assurance & Legal function. Based in Singapore & reporting to the Global Head of Enterprise Risk, Assurance and Legal, the Head of Legal Business Partnering will lead a highly capable global team and play a critical role in enabling Zespri's ambitious 2035 strategy.

As a senior advisor to the business, you will provide pragmatic, commercially focused legal guidance across key strategies, risks, opportunities and transactions. This role will suit an exceptional legal leader who brings strong commercial judgement, global perspective, and the ability to influence at the highest levels of the organisation.

You will be responsible for:

• Leading and developing a high-performing global team of legal business partners.
• Developing and implementing commercially focused legal strategies that support Zespri's global business objectives.
• Providing strategic legal advice on complex commercial, regulatory, contractual and dispute resolution matters.
• Supporting senior leaders and the Executive with timely, practical and risk-informed legal guidance.
• Optimising legal service delivery through efficient frameworks, tools, templates and ways of working.
• Managing litigation, dispute resolution and internal investigation processes where required.
• Building trusted relationships with internal stakeholders, external legal advisors and industry partners to deliver value-based legal support.

Who are you

We are looking for a senior legal leader who can operate at both a strategic and practical level. You will bring strong judgement, commercial insight and the confidence to influence senior stakeholders in a complex global environment.

With a law degree and a current practising certificate issued by a relevant jurisdiction, you will bring:

• Significant legal leadership experience, ideally within FMCG, the primary sector, consumer-facing or globally operating businesses.
• Strong experience developing and executing legal strategy in support of business growth and risk management.
• The ability to navigate complex, ambiguous and commercially sensitive issues, translating them into clear advice and action.
• Exceptional leadership capability, with experience building and empowering high-performing teams.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build trust and influence across the Executive Leadership Group, Board and wider business audiences.
• A pragmatic, solutions-focused approach, balancing legal risk with commercial opportunity.
• A commitment to ethical leadership, collaboration and delivering legal services that add measurable value.

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.
• 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.

Apply Now! Applications close 28 August 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 [Confidential Information].