PR & Media Relations Manager

About Fonterra

Fonterra Te Mātāpuna is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels comfortable being themselves. Whether you are starting your career or seeking advancement, Fonterra offers a unique environment within a global dairy cooperative that values care, collaboration, and contribution. Owned by New Zealand dairy farmers and supported by a dedicated workforce, the company strives to create a better future together.

Role Overview

In the capacity of PR & Media Relations Manager, you will lead both proactive and reactive public relations, media relations, and external communication efforts aimed at safeguarding and enhancing Fonterra's reputation. This role reports to the Head of PR & Media Relations and involves managing daily media interactions, generating impactful external communications, handling media inquiries, supporting crisis and issues communications, and providing analysis on media trends and emerging risks.

You will serve as a trusted communication advisor to senior management, collaborating closely with the COO and leadership team to develop media strategies, oversee issues management, and implement strategic external communication activities. As an individual contributor, you will exercise matrix leadership by coordinating across various teams, agencies, subject matter experts, and internal stakeholders to ensure cohesive communication outcomes.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a seasoned communications expert holding a bachelor's degree or equivalent in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Media, Business, Politics, or related disciplines. Experience in managing media responses, crafting external messages, advising stakeholders, safeguarding reputation, and delivering PR results through collaborative teams and external agencies is essential.

You must be an effective communicator adept at building trusted relationships and influencing diverse stakeholders. Resilience and a solution-oriented mindset are vital, as is maintaining composure under pressure and managing sensitive issues professionally. You should be proactive in recognizing and mitigating risks and comfortable adapting to rapidly changing priorities and urgent matters. The role requires availability beyond regular business hours, including evenings and weekends for critical communications and strong onsite presence of 4-5 days each week to facilitate close stakeholder engagement.

Company Values and Commitment

Fonterra promotes values such as Good Together, Better Every Day, and Every Drop Counts to deliver exceptional outcomes for farmers, customers, communities, and employees alike. The company supports employees with equitable pay, comprehensive health and wellbeing programs, professional growth opportunities, career advancement support, flexible work options, employee recognition, and encouragement of community and cultural engagement.

Inclusion and Diversity

Fonterra prides itself on a diverse and inclusive culture, welcoming applicants of all backgrounds regardless of ethnicity, gender, identity, orientation, age, ability, neurodiversity, culture, or religion. The company encourages applicants to apply even if they do not meet every listed qualification and offers accommodations in the recruitment process to ensure fair participation and optimal performance.