Skip to content

Manufacturing Manager​ - Whareroa

Job Name
Manufacturing Manager

General Information

Date Published
16-Jun-2026
Advertising Ends
24-Jun-2026
ID#
15358
Role Type
General Management
Work Type
Permanent Full-Time
Workplace Type
On-site
Country
New Zealand
Location
Taranaki

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
Whareroa is one of our largest sites. Along with a 7-hectare distribution centre and over 1000 employees, our site boasts a total of 11 plants which includes four milk powder plants, two cheese plants, a cream plant, a anhydrous milk fat plant plus a whey protein and casein plant. We have the capability to process an impressive 12 million litres of milk per day in peak season.

Mō tēnei tūranga | About the Opportunity
The Manufacturing Manager leads a defined area of manufacturing operations across the designated site, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production aligned with the Co-op’s strategic goals. This role is accountable for coaching operational excellence across production, while fostering a culture of ownership, capability development, and continuous improvement.
The Manufacturing Manager plays a critical role in the site leadership team. This role is responsible for defined areas of site-level execution, enabling sustainable performance and increasing capability across Plant Managers. This role is unique to mega sites and is the direct conduit between operations and the Site Operations Manager. This is a key development role for someone looking to gain experience in senior site management and would suit an individual with drive for Site Operations Manager roles in the future.
          
Mōu | About You
You’re an influential leader with a strategic mindset and a passion for delivering results in a fast-paced environment. 
You bring:
• Proven experience leading complex manufacturing operations, with a strong understanding of multiple product groups, production planning, cost control, and quality systems. 
• Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and develop high performing teams, with a strong focus on coaching, engagement, and succession planning. 
• Deep understanding of regulatory, food safety, and health and safety requirements, with a consistent track record of maintaining license to operate. 
• Strong commercial and customer focus, with the ability to deliver high-quality products that meet customer expectations and support Co op value. 
• Sound financial acumen, including experience managing budgets, evaluating capital investments, and making data driven decisions. 
• Highly effective communicator with strong relationship building capability across internal teams and external partners, including NZM and customers. 
• Experience driving robust business systems within plant environments, enabling strong compliance and overall business performance. 
• Ability to identify, prioritise and deliver capital projects supported by compelling business cases that improve shareholder returns and/or reduce risk to people, plant, or product. 
 
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 Wednesday 24th June 2026