We are Fonterra, one of the world's largest dairy nutrition companies.
At Fonterra, you’ll be inspired by purpose and guided by principles. Whether you're based in New Zealand or anywhere else around the world, you’ll be part of a team that creates goodness for generations and delivers global impact through local action. Our brands are trusted by families and individuals alike, delivering high-quality dairy nutrition to millions of people globally.
As a Co-operative created and owned by New Zealand dairy farmers, our collaboration, innovation, and passion have enabled us to share the goodness of our dairy with the world. We're committed to caring for the land, our animals, and every drop of milk, producing nutritious food with safe, quality ingredients loved in New Zealand and around the world.
As part of the Fonterra Co-op, you'll be solving for a better future alongside a team connected by solid values as we strive to be a leader in dairy sustainability, dairy innovation and science, with a focus on New Zealand milk.
When you join Fonterra, you'll open yourself to a career of opportunities where you can grow with us by developing your skills, sharing your knowledge, and exploring diverse career paths that ignite your passions.
About the role
Reporting to the Country Head of Foodservice, the Operations Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating all operational functions within the local Foodservice business. This includes demand and supply planning, logistics, customer service, third-party manufacturing (TPM), and regulatory support. The role ensures operational excellence, cost efficiency, and service reliability to enable the successful delivery of commercial objectives. It acts as a key partner to the Country Head of Foodservice and collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution of operational plans.
Key Accountabilities
• Operational Leadership: Lead and coordinate all in-market operational functions including planning, logistics, customer service, TPM, and regulatory support. Ensure operational plans are aligned with commercial strategies and executed effectively.
• Planning & Forecasting: Oversee the demand and supply planning process to ensure accurate forecasting, inventory optimisation, and service level performance. Collaborate with commercial and supply chain teams to manage risks and ensure continuity of supply. The position serves as chairperson for the Supply Review (SR) within the IBP process and supports the Demand and Supply Planner in optimising inventory through timely replenishment. The role also requires close collaboration with New Zealand supply teams to mitigate risks and prevent stock shortages.
• Logistics & Customer Service: Ensure efficient and cost-effective logistics operations, including warehousing, distribution, and order fulfilment. Drive customer service excellence by ensuring timely delivery, issue resolution, and proactive communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• TPM & Regulatory Oversight: Support the management of third-party manufacturing partners to ensure quality, compliance, and service delivery. Oversee regulatory processes in-market, ensuring product compliance and supporting market access.
• Performance Management & Reporting: Monitor and report on key operational KPIs. Identify performance gaps and lead initiatives to improve efficiency, cost, and service outcomes. Ensure visibility of operational performance to the Country Head and relevant stakeholders.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with commercial, finance, supply chain, and quality teams to ensure integrated planning and execution. Act as a key liaison between operations and other business functions.
• People Leadership & Capability Building: Lead and develop a diverse team of operational professionals. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Support talent development and succession planning within the operations function.
About You
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field. Postgraduate qualifications are advantageous.
• At least 8–10 years in operations, supply chain, or commercial support roles, preferably within FMCG or foodservice.
• Strong understanding of demand planning, logistics, customer service, and TPM operations.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams. Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g. SAP), planning tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Are you excited about this opportunity but may only meet some requirements?
At Fonterra, we are committed to building a diverse workplace and, therefore, open to looking at applicants with excellent transferable skills. If that's you, we encourage you to apply as you may be the right candidate for this role or one of our other opportunities.
Or join our Talent Community by clicking here, to be notified about new and relevant job opportunities.
The benefits of life at Fonterra
Our people and what they bring to our Co-op shape our success. We have a collaborative culture, inspiring leaders, and passionate people, making Fonterra a great place to work. We also offer competitive remuneration and a range of benefits, regardless of your role or location.
Fonterra is a place where everyone can be themselves, feel empowered to do their best, and are empowered to create goodness for generations.
Sound good to you? Come and join us, and let's solve for better, together. You, me, us together.
