General Manager Mergers & Acquisitions

CGR Services; Auckland; On-site; NZD 260,000 - 380,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fair pay

Health & wellbeing

Professional development

Career growth

Hybrid working

Employee recognition

Community involvement

Cultural connection

Job summary

Fonterra in New Zealand is seeking a General Manager, Mergers & Acquisitions to lead identification, assessment and execution of acquisitions, divestments and strategic investments.

You will own end‑to‑end deals, advise senior leaders and build a high‑performing M&A team, reporting to the Director of M&A and Group Functions.

This in‑house role offers strategic exposure, value creation through transactions, and the chance to shape the co‑op's long‑term ambitions.

Qualifications

• 10+ years experience in M&A, investment banking or private equity.
• Proven track record originating and executing acquisitions, divestments, partnerships or strategic investments.
• End-to-end ownership from origination through execution.
• Experience advising executive leadership, Boards or Investment Committees on investments.
• Ability to lead high performing teams and build M&A capability.
• Strong commercial judgement and strategic thinking in complex environments.

Responsibilities

• Building and leading a targeted M&A pipeline aligned to strategic priorities.
• Originating, evaluating and executing acquisitions, divestments and partnerships.
• Providing trusted advice to senior leaders on strategic choices.
• Leading complex transactions from origination through to completion.
• Developing investment cases, valuation analyses and recommendations.
• Ensuring governance, risk management and compliance throughout transactions.
• Partnering on integration, separation and value capture.
• Building stakeholder relationships and leading a high‑performing M&A team.

Skills

M&A leadership

Strategic deal origination

Execution of transactions

Board/Investment Committee advisory

Team leadership

Strategic thinking

Education

Tertiary qualification

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.

Mō tēnei tūranga | About the opportunity

This is a rare opportunity to apply your transaction expertise in-house, shaping Fonterra’s inorganic growth agenda and long-term value creation priorities.

In this newly-created role as General Manager, Mergers & Acquisitions, you will lead the identification, assessment and execution of acquisitions, divestments and strategic investments that support the Co‑op's long‑term ambitions. Success in this role will come from the quality of opportunities originated and the value created through transactions. The role reports into our Director of M&A and Group Functions.

For a senior M&A professional seeking to move in‑house, this role offers the opportunity to be closer to strategy, ownership and long‑term value creation. You will influence opportunities from origination through execution, helping ensure transactions are strategically sound, well executed and positioned to deliver meaningful outcomes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Building and leading a targeted M&A pipeline aligned to Fonterra strategic priorities and long‑term growth ambitions.
• Originating, evaluating and executing acquisitions, divestments, partnerships and capital recycling opportunities.
• Providing trusted advice to senior leaders on strategic choices.
• Leading complex transactions from origination through to completion.
• Developing investment cases, valuation analyses, and recommendations.
• Ensuring governance, risk management, and compliance throughout transactions.
• Partnering with Business Units on integration, separation, and value capture.
• Building trusted stakeholder relationships and leading a high‑performing M&A team

About You | Mōu

You are an experienced M&A, investment banking, private equity or corporate finance leader with a strong track record of originating and executing transactions. You combine strategic thinking with commercial pragmatism and have the ability to navigate complex, high‑stakes situations with confidence and credibility.

You may now be looking to move in‑house, applying your transaction expertise in a strategic enterprise role where you can influence the full value creation journey - from opportunity identification and deal execution through to integration, performance delivery and long‑term outcomes.

• 10+ years' experience in M&A, investment banking or private equity, ideally gained across complex transaction environments.
• Proven track record originating and executing acquisitions, divestments, partnerships or strategic investments
• Strong end‑to‑end ownership and execution of deals – from origination through to execution
• Experience advising executive leadership teams, Boards or Investment Committees on investment decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to lead high performing teams and build M&A capability.
• Strong commercial judgement, strategic thinking and comfort operating in complex environments.
• Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline.

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 13th September