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Senior Data Scientist

Job Name
Senior Data Scientist - Operations

General Information

Date Published
16-Dec-2025
Advertising Ends
18-Jan-2026
ID#
13789
Role Type
IT
Work Type
Permanent Full-Time
Workplace Type
Hybrid
Country
New Zealand
Location
Auckland, Hamilton & North Waikato

Position Description

Our Co-operative

Ata whakaarohia tō āpōpō | Imagine Tomorrow with Us
At Te Mātāpuna 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.

Mō tēnei tūranga | About the Opportunity

Are you ready to drive data science and AI excellence and lead transformative projects within a high-performing analytics team? We’re a small but dynamic AI and advanced analytics team working across our entire Co-op, delivering high-value, impactful projects.

As a Senior Data Scientist, you’ll be a thought leader and strategic driver within the team and within our dynamic and critical Operations function and across the wider Co-op. You’ll take charge of complex data science initiatives, ensuring delivery of cutting-edge, value-driven solutions that align with our Operations Data and AI strategy.

Key responsibilities:
  • Lead data science projects from concept to deployment, ensuring timely delivery.
  • Collaborate with teams, consultants, and stakeholders to define goals and share progress.
  • Represent the team in technical discussions and manage vendor relationships.
  • Shape and execute the data science strategy in line with company goals.
  • Mentor junior data scientists and promote best practices in development processes.

Mōu | About You
You are passionate about using data to solve complex business challenges and creating meaningful impact. Thriving in a collaborative environment, you will possess strong technical and leadership skills, and have a track record of delivering high-value data-driven solutions.

What you will need:
  • Advanced experience in data science, AI, and machine learning applications.
  • Expertise in optimisation, time-series analysis, simulation, regression, and classification models.
  • Proficiency in coding, cloud-based tools (Azure, Docker, CI/CD), and version control (Git).
  • Strong communication skills to translate complex data concepts into actionable business insights.
  • Experience leading projects, managing milestones, and ensuring project success.

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 Te Mātāpuna 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 18th January 2026

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