P&C Business Partner - 18 Month Fixed Term Contract

About Fonterra

Fonterra Te Mātāpuna is a global dairy co-operative built on care, collaboration, and contribution. Backed by New Zealand dairy farmers and a committed workforce, the organisation aims to create meaningful change while supporting people to grow their careers and bring their whole selves to work.

About the role

This fixed-term opportunity for 18 months is for a People & Culture Business Partner within New Zealand Manufacturing. The role plays a central part in turning people strategy into action by integrating workforce planning and capability development into site operations, aligned with business priorities and the evolving needs of the co-operative.

You will work closely with leaders across the Edgecumbe and Reporoa sites, helping shape strategic thinking, strengthen performance, guide change, and deliver people-focused solutions that have real business impact. A major part of the role is leading workforce planning at scale, using a data-led approach to build practical, long-term strategies that connect future goals with day-to-day execution.

As a trusted advisor, you will coach leaders, support engagement, and develop people solutions that help solve business challenges. This is a chance to influence senior stakeholders, contribute to meaningful change, and advance your career in a purpose-led environment.

Location is flexible within the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions, but regular travel to both Edgecumbe and Reporoa sites will be required.

What you will do

• Partner with site leaders to embed people strategy into manufacturing operations.
• Lead large-scale strategic workforce planning using data, insights, and practical execution plans.
• Support capability development and build frameworks that improve long-term workforce effectiveness.
• Coach leaders on engagement, performance, and change leadership.
• Design and implement people solutions that address business challenges and support operational goals.
• Influence senior stakeholders and contribute to strategic decision-making across multiple sites.
• Help drive high-performance practices in a unionised environment.

What we are looking for

You are a future-focused, adaptable people professional with strong commercial understanding and the confidence to lead in complex environments. You bring a strategic mindset, can turn ideas into action, and are comfortable using data to shape decisions and improve outcomes.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience delivering end-to-end workforce strategies across large organisations. You understand how to embed planning, capability building, and performance practices into integrated programmes, especially in unionised settings. Strong influencing skills, sound stakeholder judgment, and an employee-focused approach are essential.

Values and culture

Fonterra’s values are Good Together, Better Every Day, and Every Drop Counts. These guide the co-operative in creating strong outcomes for farmers, customers, communities, and colleagues. The organisation welcomes people from all backgrounds and encourages applications even if not every requirement is met.

Benefits and support

• Fair and equitable pay.
• Medical and mental health support as part of wellbeing programmes.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Support for career progression.
• Flexible or hybrid work options where possible.
• Employee recognition initiatives.
• Support for community involvement and cultural connection.

Inclusion and accessibility

Fonterra is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. Applications are welcomed from people of all ethnicities, genders, identities, orientations, ages, abilities, neurotypes, cultures, and religions. If you need accommodations during the recruitment process or experience accessibility issues, you can contact the recruiter for support.

Application details

Applications close at midnight on Thursday 16 July.