Category Specialist - Chemicals - Auckland, Hamilton & North Waikato - 15575 - Fonterra

Job Name

Category Specialist - Chemicals

General Information

Date Published

19-May-2026

Advertising Ends

02-Jun-2026

ID#

15575

Role Type

Supply Chain & Logistics

Work Type

Permanent Full-Time

Workplace Type

Hybrid

Country

New Zealand

Location

Auckland, Hamilton & North Waikato

Position Description

Imagine Tomorrow with Us | Ata whakaarohia tō āpōpō

At Fonterra Te Mātāpuna, 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 the Opportunity | Mō tēnei tūranga

We are seeking a Category Specialist – Chemicals to join our team on a permanent basis. Reporting to the GM Procurement, Category Management, this role plays a key part in delivering value through the effective execution of category sourcing strategies and strong supplier relationship management across the engineering spend portfolio.

In this role, you will implement and execute category strategies that ensure the Co-op derives sustainable best value from the supply market, while minimising supply risk and meeting business requirements. You will lead sourcing activity, manage supplier performance, and support continuous improvement initiatives to drive commercial, operational, and risk outcomes.

A core part of the role involves engaging closely with internal stakeholders across the Co-op, as well as with supply market partners, to ensure category strategies are well informed, aligned, and supported. By combining market insight with stakeholder collaboration, you will help ensure sourcing decisions are fit for purpose, commercially sound, and aligned with broader organisational objectives.

In addition, you will:

Monitor supply market dynamics and keep stakeholders informed of emerging risks and opportunities.
Develop and implement risk mitigation plans for high-risk suppliers and categories.
Conduct supplier segmentation and engagement planning to support category outcomes.
Ensure procurement controls are effectively applied across all activities.

About You | Mōu

You are an experienced procurement professional with strong expertise in your category and a proven track record of executing category strategies that deliver value, minimise supply risk, and support evolving business needs. You excel in stakeholder management, building trusted relationships and bringing people on a journey through change—particularly when introducing new ways of working, embedding best practice, or shifting mindsets to achieve sustainable outcomes.

You bring sound commercial judgement and are confident navigating complex sourcing and supplier environments. You have solid end-to-end procurement experience, including category strategy development and execution, sourcing, negotiation, contract establishment, and supplier management. You are known for your ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels, communicate clearly, and apply strong business insight, planning, and organisational skills to drive alignment, adoption, and long-term value.

You will also bring:

A tertiary qualification in Supply Chain, Procurement, or a related business discipline.
MCIPS or equivalent professional certification (preferred).
5–10 years’ procurement experience.
Demonstrated expertise in a relevant spend category.
Strong negotiation, presentation, and interpersonal skills

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.

Applications close at midnight on Tuesday 2nd June

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