About the Role:

An excellent opportunity has become available for a strategic Market Access Manager to lead New Zealand Apple & Pears' (NZAPI) market access function. This is an Executive‑level role with responsibility for setting strategic direction, engaging key stakeholders, and overseeing the delivery of technical and regulatory work programmes that support access to international markets.

The role plays a pivotal role in advocating for the pipfruit industry, maintaining and improving existing market access and progressing opportunities where access is technical, regulatory or evolving. Operating at the interface of industry, government and international regulators, this role requires sound judgement, technical capability and highly effective stakeholder engagement.

The Market Access Manager also has direct leadership responsibility for three team members within the Market Access and Crop Protection functions.

This role will require travel, both domestically and internationally.

Key aspects of the role include:

· Providing strategic leadership in the development and implementation of NZAPI’s market access strategy, informed by member direction and industry priorities

· Proactively engaging with growers, packhouses and exporters to understand on‑the‑ground issues, and translating these into clear, evidence‑based advocacy with MPI and other agencies

· Taking initiative in identifying, managing and progressing market access issues, including complex technical and regulatory matters relating to phytosanitary requirements, food safety and assurance systems

· Oversight of market access systems, technical workplans and operating processes to ensure they remain robust, effective and fit for purpose

· Representing and advocating for the industry in domestic and international forums, working groups and market access discussions

· Contributing at an executive level, including strategic planning, budget oversight and reporting

About You:

The successful candidate will bring experience in horticulture or a related primary sector-based industry, with a solid understanding of production and export systems. You will be comfortable operating in both technical and strategic contexts and able to engage confidently across industry, government and regulatory environments.

Key attributes and experience include:

• A sound understanding of regulatory environments, with industry and/or government experience preferred

• Strong relationship management capability, with experience building and maintaining effective working relationships across industry, government and technical stakeholders, including in cross‑cultural settings

• A firm focus on achieving meaningful outcomes for the industry, with a practical and measured approach to leadership and decision‑making

• A calm and diplomatic approach when navigating complex, sensitive or politically challenging issues

• Ability to translate complex, sensitive and politically challenging issues into practical effective solutions

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present clearly and confidently to a range of audiences and prepare well‑reasoned written material

• Excellent organisational skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities, work under pressure, and maintain attention to detail

• Proven people leadership capability, with experience supporting team performance and contributing to shared organisational outcomes

NZAPI offers a flexible and supportive working environment, with the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to one of New Zealand’s most important industries.

There is real scope for the right person to shape how the role is delivered, bring their own perspective and strengths, and make the position their own within a small, committed organisation.

If you bring strong commitment to the industry and a genuine drive to deliver impactful solutions for growers, packhouses and exporters, we would welcome your application.

Closing Date – Wednesday 3 June

Please note that we may begin interviewing suitable candidates before this date so please apply without delay.