AI Chapter Lead

Fonterra; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fair and equitable pay

Health and well-being programs

Professional development opportunities

Career growth support

Work-life balance options

Employee recognition

Community involvement and cultural 연결

Job summary

Fonterra is seeking an AI Chapter Lead to grow the AI practitioner community across the Co-op. You will lead a team of AI practitioners, shape delivery practices, establish technical standards, and guide adoption of emerging technologies while solving complex challenges.

You will partner with Product, Architecture, Software Engineering, Data Engineering and Testing leaders, helping shape AI strategy and delivering value across the organisation.

Qualifications

• Senior AI practitioner with hands-on experience in AI/ML, Data Science, or related field.
• Ability to mentor, coach and share knowledge across teams.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and translate complex tech into practical outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead AI delivery initiatives and establish technical standards across the Co-op.
• Build and grow AI capability through training, mentoring, and Communities of Practice.
• Collaborate with Product, Architecture, Software Engineering, Data Engineering, and Testing leaders to shape AI strategy.

Skills

AI leadership

Mentoring

Stakeholder mgmt

Technical depth

Job description

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

As the AI Chapter Lead, you'll lead the growth, capability, and technical excellence of Fonterra's AI practitioner community, helping build the talent, standards, and ways of working that support AI delivery across the Co-op.

Leading a team of AI practitioners, you'll focus on developing people, growing capability, and fostering a collaborative learning culture. You'll also bring together AI practitioners from across the organisation through a Community of Practice, creating opportunities for knowledge sharing, innovation, and continuous improvement.

While people leadership is a key part of the role, you'll remain close to the technology. As a senior AI practitioner, you'll help shape AI delivery practices, establish technical standards, guide the adoption of emerging technologies, and support teams to solve complex AI challenges.

Working closely with Product, Architecture, Software Engineering, Data Engineering, and Testing leaders, you'll help influence how AI is designed, developed, and delivered across Fonterra.

This is an opportunity to shape both the future of AI talent and the evolution of AI delivery at Fonterra, helping build a connected and capable AI community across the Co-op.

About You | Mōu

You bring a blend of technical depth and people leadership, with experience in AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, or a related field. You've built credibility through hands-on experience and enjoy helping others grow through mentoring, coaching, and knowledge sharing.

You're curious about emerging technologies and how they can be applied to solve real-world problems. You can provide technical leadership while bringing people together, building capability, and fostering a collaborative culture.

You build strong relationships across technical and business teams and are skilled at influencing stakeholders, aligning priorities, and translating technical concepts into practical outcomes.

You're motivated by the opportunity to grow AI capability at Fonterra, developing our people, strengthening technical practices, and helping shape the future of AI across the Co-op.

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.

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.