Programme Manager - Farm Optimisation - Hamilton & North Waikato - 15344 - Fonterra

Job Name

Programme Manager - Farm Optimisation

General Information

Date Published

01-May-2026

Advertising Ends

15-May-2026

ID#

15344

Role Type

Strategy & Project Management

Work Type

Permanent Full-Time

Workplace Type

On-site

Country

New Zealand

Location

Hamilton & North Waikato

Position Description

Our Co-operative

Whāia tō ara whakamua i konei | Where to next? Imagine tomorrow—here at Fonterra

Here at Fonterra, we believe in nurturing talent and providing opportunities for growth. If you’re applying for the next step in your career journey here at Fonterra, then you’ve come to the right place.

Whether you’re looking to deepen your expertise, broaden your horizons, or take on a new challenge, we’re here to support your progress. We’ll help you bring your best and be at your best—because your growth is our growth.

He kupu mō mātou | About us

We love Kiwi dairy farmers and know 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, the same co-operative spirit that our farmers and their communities share drives our team. 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 – smart 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 get 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? 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.

Mō tēnei tūranga | About the Opportunity

If you’re a rural consultant, a farm systems expert, or someone who’s spent years working alongside farmers and you’re ready to take that experience further this role could be your next step.

We’re not looking for a career programme manager. We’re after someone who understands farm performance because they’ve lived it. Someone who’s built trust with farmers, knows what matters on-farm, and wants to help shape the tools and services that support their success.

This is a role with real autonomy where your insights guide strategy, and your decisions shape delivery. You’ll have the flexibility to work in a way that suits your lifestyle, and the freedom to lead with purpose.

What you’ll be doing

Executing the Co-op’s sustainability goals in a way that supports farmers to grow their profitability and productivity.
Leading the development of Farm Source tools and services that optimise 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.
Helping us measure what’s working — and what’s not — so we can keep improving.
Managing budgets and resources to make sure we’re investing where it counts and maximising return for our farmers.
Building strong relationships across the industry and championing farmer success.
Support the Co-op to connect opportunities on farm to strengthen our sustainability position with markets, customers, consumers and NZ.

Mōu | About You

You’ve spent years working alongside farmers and you know what drives performance on-farm. You’ve built trust, solved problems, and helped farmers succeed.

You might not call yourself a programme manager, but you’ve led change, coordinated teams, and turned good ideas into action. You’re curious, collaborative, a problem solver and ready to step into a role where your practical experience becomes strategic impact.

Ideally, you’ll have:

10–15 years in agriculture, with an excellent grasp of dairy farm systems
Strong communication skills and a knack for building relationships
Leadership potential and a drive to keep improving
A relevant tertiary qualification (or equivalent practical experience)

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 Friday 15th May!

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