Category Manager – Capital

Fonterra; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A global dairy co-operative is seeking a Category Manager – Capital Projects in Hamilton. This senior role requires expertise in procurement strategies for major capital projects. Ideal candidates will have a relevant tertiary qualification and a proven background in capital sourcing and strategic procurement. Join a culture that values care, collaboration, and contribution while offering competitive benefits and a focus on personal and professional growth.

Benefits

Health and well-being programs

Professional development opportunities

Work-life balance options

Employee recognition

Qualifications

• Proven experience in capital procurement, ideally within infrastructure, food, dairy, or construction sectors.
• Strong strategic thinking and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work autonomously while contributing to team outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Leading the development and execution of procurement strategies for major capital projects.
• Driving sourcing processes including market engagement and contract negotiation.
• Building strong relationships across the business for operational sustainability.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Technical understanding

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or Project Management

Job description

Overview

Position Description

• Feel connected here: Our people are at the heart of everything we do, connected to the land and each other, creating goodness for generations. We are good together.
• Be inspired here: Be inspired to be better every day in a place that nurtures innovation, champions sustainability, and empowers you to help solve for a better future for all.
• Grow here: In our inclusive environment, you’ll be supported to develop your skills, explore new paths, and grow with purpose. Together, we’ll make every drop count.

About the organisation

Ata whakaarohia tō āpōpō | Imagine Tomorrow with Us
At Te Mātāpuna Fonterra, 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. Familiarity with procurement concepts such as TCO, benchmarking, and cost modelling

About the opportunity

Mō tēnei tūranga | About the opportunity
We’re looking for a Category Manager – Capital Projects to join our Procurement team, based in Auckland or Hamilton. This is a senior role requiring a high level of independence, strategic thinking, and capital sourcing expertise. You’ll be responsible for developing and implementing procurement strategies across major capital programmes, working closely with our Capital Projects Centre of Excellence. This role is central to shaping how we source for complex, high-value projects and ensuring alignment with Fonterra’s long-term goals.

Key responsibilities

• Leading the development and execution of procurement strategies for major capital projects and programmes of work
• Supporting the finalisation of responsibilities across the CAPEX procurement team
• Driving sourcing processes where there is strategic opportunity, including market engagement and contract negotiation
• Building strong relationships across the business to enable cost efficiency, risk management, and operational sustainability

About you

Mōu | About You
You’re a confident, independent operator with a strong background in capital sourcing and strategic procurement. You bring a mix of commercial acumen, technical understanding, and stakeholder engagement capability.

To be successful, you’ll bring

• A relevant tertiary qualification—ideally in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or Project Management
• Proven experience in capital procurement, ideally within infrastructure, food, dairy, or construction sectors
• Strong strategic thinking and stakeholder engagement skills
• Familiarity with procurement concepts such as TCO, benchmarking, and cost modelling
• The ability to work autonomously while contributing to team outcomes
• Professional networks in capital sourcing are a plus

Our values

Ngā Aura | Our Values
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 here

Our commitment to you

Tā mātou oati | Our Commitment to You
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

A career of opportunities

Ngā Mahi | A Career of Opportunities
At Te Mātāpuna 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 | Join Us
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.

He Wāhi mō te Katoa | Together, we\'re shaping a future of inclusion
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).

Accessibility 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.

Applications close at midnight on Sunday 12th October 2025.