Fonterra

He kupu mō mātou | About us

As Fonterra shifts towards a channel-led operating model, we must balance the agility and customer centricity required to support our channels to be successful in the near term, while keeping our sights on the long-term sustainability of the Co-op through bold moves in digital and innovation. 

As part of the evolution of Innovation & Brand, we are focused on ensuring we are set up to successfully innovate to drive our advantage, for the long term.  This role will support this vision with an emphasis on Engine 2 innovation, being science & technology-led innovation, across mid- to longer-term projects with higher risk profiles across the value chain. These projects will be focused on tomorrow’s customer, new capabilities and markets.

Mō tēnei tūranga | About the opportunity 

Reporting to the Head of Finance Partnering Innovation, you will provide finance business partnering across our Innovation & Brand (I&B) team and the broader business. You will work closely with our science and technology teams on new innovation initiatives, provide strategic financial guidance and insights to support the development of robust business cases, and drive valuation analysis to unlock growth opportunities.  Your expertise will help shape investment decisions and ensure our innovation pipeline delivers maximum value.

Some of the key responsibilities will include:

• Conduct project valuations, provide business case support, and report on innovation projects.
• Partner with key stakeholders to critically evaluate assumptions and assess the impact of changes through scenario analysis.
• Oversee budgets, forecasts, and actuals, providing insightful commentary while leveraging the Fonterra Service Hub to support the FP&A process.
• Establish and track metrics and KPIs that reflect the financial and strategic impact of innovation initiatives.
• Create compelling data-driven narratives that effectively communicate the value and outcomes of innovation projects to stakeholders.
• Oversee performance management frameworks and KPI tracking.
• Partner with project teams and senior stakeholders to deliver insights, manage costs, and ensure financial compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement in financial processes and reporting tools.

Mōu | About you 

You’re commercially sharp, curious, and confident navigating complexity.  With a passion for business partnering, you bring strategic thinking, financial expertise, and the ability to influence across all levels.

You’ll bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Economics, or Accounting preferred; CA or CFA designation is desirable.
• Proven experience as a strategic finance partner, ideally gained within complex, fast-paced environments such as dairy, FMCG, manufacturing, or financial services.
• Experience in financial and scenario modelling, predictive analytics, and using data to drive smart, strategic decisions.
• Strong commercial acumen and technical finance expertise.
• Advanced skills in financial modelling, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication abilities.
• Solid understanding of project management and financial regulations.
• Experience in science & technology-led innovation is highly desirable

• 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