Chief of Staff - Operations

About Fonterra

Fonterra Te Mātāpuna is a global dairy co-operative owned by New Zealand dairy farmers, committed to fostering a workplace where everyone can bring their authentic selves. The company values care, collaboration, and contribution, creating opportunities for career growth and positive impact.

Opportunity Overview

We are seeking a Business Manager to lead the Office of the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and play a key role in optimizing the operational performance and delivery of the organization. This strategic leadership position partners closely with the COO to establish effective operational rhythms, prioritize initiatives, and ensure disciplined execution aligned with enterprise goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead governance, leadership cadence, and executive meeting rhythms within the Office of the COO.
• Develop and embed a comprehensive business management system for consistent and disciplined execution.
• Manage the COO’s forward agenda, priorities, and decision-making platforms.
• Translate organizational strategy into clear priorities, actionable plans, and performance metrics.
• Promote data-driven decision-making ensuring leadership forums are focused and results-oriented.
• Serve as the central integrator for transformation and optimization projects, handling interdependencies and delivery oversight.
• Provide transparent, up-to-date performance insights, including risks, trade-offs, and organizational outcomes.
• Facilitate alignment and execution across the COO leadership team and wider enterprise stakeholders.
• Lead critical cross-functional initiatives to resolve obstacles and accelerate progress.
• Gain direct exposure to enterprise priorities and senior leadership decision-making.

Candidate Profile

• Strategic and systems thinker with the ability to operationalize strategy in complex environments.
• Experience in strategy, operations, transformation, or consulting with a proven ability to lead complex, cross-functional projects efficiently.
• Effectively engage and influence senior leadership and executive stakeholders.
• Strong commercial insight and operational understanding.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Disciplined, structured approach to problem-solving and execution.
• Aptitude to bring clarity and drive momentum in ambiguous situations.
• High accountability and ownership with a balance of shaping ideas and delivering results.

Why Join Us

• Work in close partnership with the COO at the heart of Operations.
• Engage directly with enterprise-level decision-making processes.
• Play a central role in shaping Fonterra’s operational execution and performance.
• Access strong career growth pathways leading to future leadership positions.

Our Values and Commitment

Fonterra’s core values of Good Together, Better Every Day, and Every Drop Counts guide us to achieve outstanding results for farmers, customers, communities, and each other. We embrace diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds and providing accommodations to ensure fair application processes.

We support our people through fair pay, health and wellness programs, professional development, career growth, flexible working arrangements where feasible, employee recognition, and encouragement of community and cultural engagement.