Business Manager

About the opportunity

Fonterra is seeking a Business Manager to take charge of the Office of the COO and help define how the Operations function is run, measured, and delivered. Working closely with the COO, this role will set the operating cadence, focus priorities, and support disciplined execution of enterprise and co-operative objectives.

It is a high-impact leadership position at the core of Operations, acting as a trusted partner, coordinator, and extension of the COO to drive alignment, clarity, and strong execution in a fast-moving environment.

What you will do

• Run the Office of the COO, including governance routines, leadership cadence, and executive operating rhythm.
• Build and embed the COO business management system so delivery remains disciplined and consistent.
• Own the COO’s forward agenda, priority-setting, and decision forums.
• Convert strategy into actionable priorities, delivery plans, and performance monitoring.
• Use data to inform decisions and keep leadership discussions focused on outcomes and actions.
• Serve as the central point for transformation and optimisation work, managing dependencies and progress.
• Provide an up-to-date view of performance, risks, trade-offs, and enterprise outcomes.
• Support alignment and execution across the COO leadership team and wider business stakeholders.
• Lead important cross-functional initiatives that remove blockers and accelerate delivery.
• Work from the centre of Operations with direct exposure to enterprise priorities and senior leadership decisions.

About you

You are a strategic operator and systems thinker who can thrive in complexity and translate strategy into structured, disciplined delivery.

What you bring

• Background in strategy, transformation, operations, or a top-tier consulting environment.
• Proven success delivering complex cross-functional initiatives under pace and pressure.
• Confidence working with senior executives and leadership teams.
• Strong commercial awareness and operational judgement.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• A methodical, disciplined approach to problem-solving and execution.
• Ability to create clarity, alignment, and momentum in ambiguous situations.
• Comfort challenging thinking constructively while maintaining strong ownership and accountability.

Why this role stands out

• Direct partnership with the COO.
• Exposure to enterprise-level decision-making.
• A central role in shaping how Fonterra executes and performs.
• A strong pathway toward future leadership opportunities across the organisation.

Our values

Fonterra’s values are Good Together, Better Every Day, and Every Drop Counts. They guide how the co-operative works for farmers, customers, communities, and colleagues, regardless of background, identity, or experience.

What Fonterra offers

• Fair and equitable pay.
• Health and wellbeing support, including medical and mental health assistance.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Career growth support.
• Flexible working options, including hybrid arrangements where possible.
• Employee recognition.
• Support for community involvement and cultural connection.

Inclusion and accessibility

Fonterra welcomes people from all backgrounds, including different ethnicities, genders, identities, orientations, ages, abilities, neurotypes, cultures, and religions. Candidates are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet every requirement, as potential and growth are highly valued. If accessibility support or accommodations are needed during the process, candidates can contact their recruiter for help.

Application deadline

Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 28 June 2026.