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Project Manager - Farm Performance

Job Name
Project Manager - Farm Performance

General Information

Date Published
01-Jul-2026
Advertising Ends
18-Aug-2026
ID#
16189
Role Type
Strategy & Project Management
Work Type
Permanent Full-Time
Workplace Type
Hybrid
Country
New Zealand
Location
Hamilton & North Waikato

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 think 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, our team is driven by the same co-operative spirit that our farmers and their communities share. 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 - 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 be getting 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? Our regional structure and openness to flexible working means that there really is something for everyone. No matter your age or stage, our inclusive culture has created a place where everyone can thrive.

About the Opportunity | Mō tēnei tūranga

Supporting on-farm performance through insights and execution

Know farming inside and out - and love making good plans happen?

If you've worked closely with farmers, understand farm systems, and enjoy turning strategy into action, this role could be a great next step. We're looking for someone who understands farm performance because they've seen it first hand, and who brings strong project management capability to help drive real improvement on farm. 

Reporting to the Programme Manager - Farm Optimisation, this role focuses on delivering and embedding farm performance initiatives. You'll work across many of the same projects but with stronger emphasis on execution, co-ordination, and continuous improvement.

This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys getting things done, working with people, and seeing the impact of their work on-farm

Reporting to the Programme Manager - Farm Optimisation, this role focuses on delivering and embedding farm performance initiatives. You'll work across many of the same projects but with stronger emphasis on execution, co-ordination, and continuous improvement.

This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys getting things done, working with people, and seeing the impact of their work on-farm                 

What you'll be doing

In this role, you'll support the delivery of the Farm Optimisation programme by: 
  • Implementing farm performance initiatives aligned to the Programme Managers strategy and priorities.
  • Managing projects end-to-end - from planning and delivery through to monitoring progress and outcomes.
  • Supporting the development of Farm Source tools and services that improve farm performance.
  • Working with farmers, rural professionals, industry partners and our field teams to embed initiatives into everyday practices.
  • Supporting the wider team to build awareness within and beyond the business of emissions targets, modelling and the practices on farm that impact emissions performance.
  • Supporting with farmer and field team queries on farm performance and emissions data.
  • Tracking project delivery against plans and helping us measure what's working - and what's not - so we can keep improving.
  • Supporting the Co-op to connect opportunities on farm to strengthen our sustainability position with markets, customers, consumers and NZ
About You | Mōu

You'll understand farming systems and what drives performance on farm, and you're motivated by helping farmers succeed. You may have gained this experience through consulting, advisory roles, farming, or working alongside farmers in another capacity. 

You'll need to be organised, proactive and a real-problem solver, with the ability to roll out projects involving complexity and multiple stakeholders. 

Ideally you'll have:
  • 5-10 years in agriculture, with a solid understanding of dairy farm systems
  • Strong communication skills and a knack for building relationships
  • Experience working with farmers and industry to build trusted relationships
  • A relevant tertiary qualification (or equivalent practical experience
Most importantly, you're passionate about farming's future and motivated to make a practical difference on-farm.

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.