AI Operations Lead

Fonterra; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and well-being programs

Professional development opportunities

Career growth support

Work-life balance options

Employee recognition

Community involvement and cultural连接

Job summary

Fonterra is seeking an AI Operations Lead to shape governance and operation across its AI ecosystem, including Everyday, Embedded and Custom AI platforms. You will establish practices, guardrails, and controls ensuring secure, scalable, and cost-effective AI delivery that aligns with enterprise standards for security, performance, and quality.

You will collaborate across Technology, Data & AI, Cyber Security, IT Operations and platform owners to drive consistent operations, visibility, and value

Responsibilities

• Shape how AI is managed, governed and run across Fonterra’s Everyday, Embedded and Custom AI landscape.
• Establish guardrails, principles, and controls to support secure, cost-efficient operation of AI—from deployment to retirement.

Job 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 an AI Operations Lead you will shape how AI is managed, governed and run across Fonterra’s Everyday, Embedded and Custom AI landscape.

In this role, you'll establish and continuously improve the practices, principles, guardrails, and controls that support the safe, secure, and cost-effective operation of AI. From deployment and assurance through to monitoring, change, and retirement, you'll define the operational approach that enables AI solutions to deliver value while meeting enterprise standards for security, performance, quality, and cost management.

Partnering across Technology, Data & AI, Cyber Security, IT Operations, Platform Owners, Application Owners, vendors, and support partners, you'll bring consistency to how AI is operated across the organisation. You'll drive enterprise-wide visibility and reporting, embed operational requirements into platforms and delivery practices, and help ensure AI capabilities remain trusted, well-managed, and fit for purpose as they continue to evolve.

This is an opportunity to help define the foundations for AI operations at Fonterra, influencing how AI is adopted and managed across the Co-op while supporting its responsible and sustainable growth.

About You | Mōu

You bring experience operating, governing, or supporting complex technology products, platforms, or services within a large enterprise environment. You understand that successfully scaling AI requires clear operational foundations, effective governance, and well-defined lifecycle management to ensure solutions remain secure, sustainable, and deliver value over time.

You've established frameworks, standards, operating models, or assurance practices that create accountability, manage risk, and support consistent outcomes across multiple teams. You can balance innovation with practical controls and are comfortable navigating ambiguity in emerging technology environments.

You build strong relationships and work effectively across technology, business, security, and vendor teams to influence outcomes and drive alignment. You're able to translate complex operational requirements into practical ways of working and use data and insights to identify opportunities, address gaps, and improve performance.

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.