AI Manager

Fonterra; Auckland; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fair pay

Health programs

Professional development

Career growth support

Flexible/hybrid working

Employee recognition

Community involvement

Job summary

Fonterra is seeking an AI Manager to lead a multidisciplinary team delivering AI, optimisation and advanced analytics across Operations. You will translate business needs into practical, production-ready solutions and work with business stakeholders to prioritise opportunities for measurable value.

You will champion responsible AI practices and collaborate across architecture, security and delivery teams while guiding talent development in a high‑performance culture.

Qualifications

• Experience leading AI, Data Science, Analytics or multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Proven track record deploying AI/optimisation in production.
• Strong knowledge of ML, Generative AI, optimisation and modern cloud tech (Azure).

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing team of Data Scientists, AI specialists and engineers.
• Drive development and deployment of AI, optimisation and analytics solutions.
• Partner with Operations to prioritise opportunities delivering measurable business value.
• Lead solutions supporting operational planning, scheduling and decision-making.
• Provide leadership across ML, Generative AI and emerging technologies.
• Collaborate with architecture, infrastructure, security and delivery teams.
• Champion responsible AI practices, governance and lifecycle management.
• Help shape the future direction of Data and AI across Operations.

Skills

Data leadership

AI/ML leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Team coaching

Azure cloud

Tools

Azure

ML platforms

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 us | He kupu mō mātou

Our Operations Data & AI team is helping shape how data, advanced analytics and artificial intelligence are used to improve decision‑making and operational performance across Fonterra.

Working closely with our Operations teams, we turn complex business challenges into practical, scalable solutions that create measurable value for the Co‑op.

About the Opportunity | Mō tēnei tūranga

Reporting to the GM Data & AI, the AI Manager will lead a multidisciplinary team of Data Scientists, AI specialists and engineers responsible for delivering AI, optimisation and advanced analytics solutions across Operations.

This is a strategic and technical leadership role where you’ll work closely with business stakeholders to identify opportunities, shape priorities and move solutions beyond proof of concept into production.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Lead, coach and develop a high‑performing team of Data Scientists, AI specialists and engineers.
• Drive the development and deployment of AI, optimisation and advanced analytics solutions.
• Partner with stakeholders across Operations to identify and prioritise opportunities that deliver measurable business value.
• Lead solutions supporting operational planning, scheduling and decision‑making.
• Provide leadership across Machine Learning, Generative AI and emerging technologies.
• Build effective partnerships across architecture, infrastructure, security and delivery teams.
• Champion responsible AI practices, governance and sustainable lifecycle management.
• Help shape the future direction of Data and AI across Operations.

About You | Mōu

You’ll be an experienced people leader who can operate confidently across strategy, technology and business delivery. You’ll bring strong judgement, commercial thinking and the ability to turn complex ideas into practical solutions.

Ideally, You’ll Bring

• Experience leading AI, Data Science, Analytics or multidisciplinary technical teams.
• A proven track record of deploying and sustaining AI, optimisation or advanced analytics solutions in production.
• Strong knowledge of Machine Learning, Generative AI, optimisation and modern cloud technologies, particularly Azure.
• The ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business value.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills across business and technology teams.
• Experience coaching and developing technical specialists and building a high‑performance team culture.
• The judgement to make sound build, buy and reuse decisions and recognise when AI is not the right solution.

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 Sunday 30th August 2026.