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Co-op Business Associate | South Canterbury / North Otago

General Information

Date Published
25-May-2026
Advertising Ends
08-Jun-2026
ID#
15750
Role Type
Strategy & Project Management
Work Type
Permanent Full-Time
Workplace Type
On-site
Country
New Zealand
Location
Canterbury, Otago

Position Description

Imagine Tomorrow with Us | Ata whakaarohia tō āpōpō
At Fonterra , we want everyone to feel they can be themselves. 

Whether you're early in your career or ready for your next step, Fonterra offers a unique opportunity to grow with a global dairy co-operative that values care, collaboration, and contribution. 

Owned by New Zealand dairy farmers and supported by a dedicated team, we are all working together to create a better future. Imagine tomorrow with us, where your career can grow, and you can create positive change.

About us | He kupu mō mātou

We love Kiwi dairy farmers and know they're pretty awesome. For generations, they have relied on hard work, ingenuity, and each other to create the kind of goodness that fuels our families, connects our communities and supports our economy. 

At Farm Source, the same co-operative spirit that our farmers and their communities share drives our team. We make farming easier so farmers can continue to concentrate on what they do best – producing high-quality New Zealand milk in the most sustainable way. This means growing and supporting the right people – smart people with plenty of 'roll-your-sleeves up' energy to rise to the challenge. Whether you're on the farm getting your gumboots dirty or connecting over a coffee at our local stores, you'll get the mahi done as part of a trusted team – backed by good people, the right products, innovative solutions, and industry-leading expertise.          
            
So why not join us? Whether you're on the farm getting your gumboots dirty or connecting over a coffee at our local stores, you'll be getting the mahi done as part of a trusted team.

About the Opportunity | Mō tēnei tūranga
 
This is an exciting opportunity to join Fonterra’s Co-operative Affairs team, working closely with Regional Managers and Co-op Business Partners to support and strengthen farmer relationships across your region.

As a Co-op Business Associate, you’ll play a key role in delivering regional engagement plans, providing practical operational and digital support, and ensuring farmers get real value from their co-operative. You’ll be at the heart of driving connection – supporting milk retention, strengthening loyalty, and helping farmers navigate change with confidence.

This is a highly collaborative and field-focused role where no two days are the same. You’ll work with farmers, rural professionals, and internal teams to solve problems, deliver engagement initiatives, and create a consistent and high-quality experience for our farmers. 

Key aspects of the role include:
  • Building trusted relationships with farmers, sharemilkers, and future shareholders
  • Supporting farmers with operational, digital, and compliance requirements
  • Delivering regional engagement activities, including events and on-farm conversations
  • Acting as a key escalation point for more complex farmer queries
  • Capturing insights to inform regional and business decision-making             

About You | Mōu

You’re someone who thrives in a relationship-driven environment and enjoys working alongside farmers to deliver practical outcomes. You balance strong operational thinking with a hands-on, down-to-earth approach.

You’ll bring:
  • A strong understanding of agriculture or dairy farming environments
  • Excellent relationship-building skills and the ability to build trust quickly
  • Strong organisational skills with the ability to plan and prioritise effectively
  • Confidence working with systems, data, and digital tools
  • A practical, solution-focused mindset with sound judgement and problem-solving skills
  • The ability to support change and guide others through new ways of working
  • Experience in roles involving stakeholder engagement, operations, or programme delivery will be highly beneficial.

Why Join Us?

At Fonterra, you’ll be part of a co-operative that’s deeply connected to its farmers and communities. This role offers the chance to grow your career, build strong networks, and make a genuine impact in the dairy sector!

Our Values | Ngā Aura 
At Fonterra, our values of Good Together, Better Every Day, and Every Drop Counts, are for everyone – no matter your background, identify or experience. These values guide us in delivering exceptional outcomes for our farmers, customers, communities, and each other. Discover how your values align with ours by taking our Values Quiz

Our Commitment to You | Tā mātou oati 
We care for our people globally. Our comprehensive benefits support your well-being, development, and work-life balance:
  • Fair and equitable pay
  • Health and well-being programs (medical, mental health support)
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Career growth support
  • Work-life balance options (flexible/hybrid working where possible)
  • Employee recognition
  • Support for community involvement and cultural connection
To learn more, visit Fonterra Careers

A Career of Opportunities | Ngā Mahi
At Fonterra, we are inspired by purpose and guided by our principles and values. Together, we create goodness for generations and make a global impact at a local level. As part of our Co-operative, you are an everyday creator, imagining what Fonterra, dairy, and you can be here.

Join Us | Tātou Tātou
Does this sound good to you? Come join our whānau - bring your whole self, and let's solve for better together. 

You, me, us together, Tātou, tātou.

Together, we're shaping a future of inclusion | He Wāhi mō te Katoa
Inclusion is key to our Co-operative. We're building a team that reflects the diverse world we live in, believing it drives better decisions and innovation. 

We welcome applications from all backgrounds (ethnicities, genders, identities, orientations, ages, abilities, neurotypes, cultures, religions). 

Even if you don't meet every requirement listed, we encourage you to apply; we value your potential and growth. 

If you face accessibility issues or need accommodations during the process, please contact your recruiter. We ensure fair participation, allowing you to be at your best. Tātou, tātou.