GM Technology, Data & AI- Operations

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health programs

Professional development

Career growth support

Work-life balance

Job summary

Fonterra is seeking a General Manager - Technology, Data & AI for Operations to shape the strategic direction and enablement of data, AI, digital products and technology across our Operations. You will bridge Operations and central technology, translating priorities into high-value initiatives that drive performance and efficiency.

You’ll lead the Operations Data & AI spoke, shaping demand, prioritisation, adoption, and foundations to scale data and AI across the network.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Technology, Engineering, Data or related discipline.
• Postgraduate qualifications in business or technology highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Lead Technology, Data & AI transformation roadmap for Operations.
• Bridge between Operations and central technology teams to translate priorities.
• Drive adoption of AI, digital products, BI, and information management.
• Oversee portfolio of operational digital products and platforms; governance and trade-offs.
• Embed data governance and quality across the business.
• Develop AI foundations and readiness for emergent use cases.
• Collaborate with architecture, technology, data leaders and IT teams.
• Lead change adoption and build organizational capability for innovation.

Skills

Digital transformation

Data strategy

Portfolio management

Stakeholder mgmt

Team leadership

Innovation

Enterprise collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Postgraduate qualification

Tools

SAP

Microsoft

IBM

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

We're looking for a General Manager - Technology, Data & AI - Operations to join our Operations team. Reporting to the Director Operations Optimisation, you'll lead the strategic direction and operational enablement of Data, AI, digital products, and technology capabilities across Operations.

Acting as the key interface between Operations leaders and central technology teams, you'll translate business priorities into a strategically aligned portfolio of digital, data, and AI initiatives that drive operational excellence and business performance.

As the leader of the Operations Data & AI spoke, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping demand, prioritising investment, driving adoption, and developing the foundations that enable Fonterra to leverage data and AI at scale.

You'll bring together product strategy, platforms, information management, and business transformation to create tangible value across our operations network.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of a Technology, Data & AI transformation roadmap for Operations
• Act as the strategic bridge between Operations and central technology teams, ensuring business priorities are translated into high-value initiatives
• Drive the adoption of AI, digital products, business intelligence, and information management capabilities across Operations
• Lead the portfolio of operational digital products and platforms, including investment prioritisation, governance, and portfolio trade-offs
• Embed strong data governance, data quality, and information management practices across the business
• Oversee the development of AI foundations and build readiness for emerging use cases across Operations
• Partner with architecture, technology, data leaders and central IT teams to deliver scalable, secure, and enterprise-aligned solutions
• Lead change adoption and capability development to foster a culture of innovation, curiosity, and data-driven decision making

About You | Mōu

You're a strategic and commercially minded leader who understands how technology, data, and AI can unlock business performance. You have a track record of leading complex transformation programmes and thrive at the intersection of business strategy, technology, and operational excellence.

You bring:

• Extensive experience leading digital, technology, data, AI, or business transformation initiatives
• A strong ability to align data and technology strategies with enterprise business objectives
• Experience leading large, complex portfolios involving products, platforms, analytics, and digital capabilities
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence across multiple business functions
• Proven success building high-performing teams and developing organisational capability
• A passion for innovation, continuous improvement, and helping organisations embrace new technologies.

You will also bring

• A relevant Bachelor's degree in Business, Technology, Engineering, Data, or a related discipline
• 12+ years' experience in IT leadership, corporate strategy, technology, digital transformation, or business leadership roles
• 10+ years' people leadership experience
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing multi-year transformation programmesStrong expertise in data governance, product ownership, digital platforms, and operational improvement
• Experience managing enterprise technology ecosystems and partnering with strategic vendors such as SAP, Microsoft, or IBM
• The ability to communicate complex technical concepts and strategies in a way that drives engagement and action at an enterprise-wide level
• Postgraduate qualifications in business or technology would be highly regarded

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 [1] 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 [2] 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.

Together, we 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.

Applications close at midnight on Wednesday 7th October

References

Visible links

• 1. https://values.fonterra.com/?utm_source=internal+job+ad&utm_medium=job+ad&utm_campaign=imagine+tomorrow&utm_term=&utm_content=values
• 2. https://www.fonterra.com/nz/en/careers.html?utm_campaign=talentacquisition&utm_medium=jobad&utm_source=fonterracareers