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General Manager Strategic Operations

Job Name
General Manager Strategic Operations

General Information

Date Published
02-Apr-2026
Advertising Ends
19-Apr-2026
ID#
15138
Role Type
General Management
Work Type
Permanent Full-Time
Workplace Type
Hybrid
Country
New Zealand
Location
Auckland

Position Description

Our Co-operative

Ata whakaarohia tō āpōpō | Imagine Tomorrow with Us
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.

He kupu mō mātou | About us

Step into the dynamic world of Fonterra's COO business unit where our teams contribute to our NZ manufacturing sites and global supply chain operations.

Mō tēnei tūranga | About the Opportunity
 
Shape the Future of Fonterra’s operations as General Manager – Strategic Operations 

Fonterra is looking for an experienced, visionary leader to join our Operations Optimisation team as General Manager – Strategic Operations. In this pivotal senior leadership position, you’ll play a central role in steering the long-term success and growth of our organisation.  

We need a dynamic and influential leader who thrives in bringing structure and clarity to ambiguity and complexity and is motivated by the opportunity to drive lasting, meaningful change in our co-operative. 

 If you’re passionate about operational transformation, strategic leadership, and building a stronger future across our enterprise, we want to hear from you.              
  
          
Mōu | About You

Responsibilities will include the following: 

Strategic Leadership   
  • Own the strategic thinking and direction-setting for Operations, ensuring alignment with Group Strategy and long-term business priorities.  
  • Develop and maintain a 3–10-year strategic roadmap for Operations.  
  • Integrate global insights and innovation into strategic planning to inform future-focused decision-making.  
  • Foster a culture of strategic thinking, innovation, and performance across the Operations leadership team.  
  • Communicate strategic plans and progress to senior leadership and the board, ensuring transparency and accountability.   
Strategy Translation & Value Creation  
  • Identify and drive high-value strategic initiatives, ensuring benefits realisation and measurable impact across the business.  
  • Collaborate with Co-operative Group Strategy, enabling functions, and business units to translate strategic vision into executable plans.  
  • Support the transition of transformation delivery responsibilities to relevant execution teams, ensuring strategic continuity.  
  • Lead strategic programme governance, ensuring major initiatives are sequenced, resourced, and delivered effectively.            
Ngā Aura | Our Values 
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

Tā mātou oati | Our Commitment to You 
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

Ngā Mahi | A Career of Opportunities
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.

Tātou Tātou | Join Us
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.

He Wāhi mō te Katoa | Together, we're shaping a future of inclusion.
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. 

Applications close at midnight on Sunday 19th April