Head of Data & Insights (Global)

Fonterra; Auckland; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A global dairy cooperative in Auckland is seeking a Head of Insights to lead a team and shape the insights strategy. This role involves driving innovation and product development based on consumer insights and market dynamics. Ideal candidates will have over 10 years of experience in insights, with a strong leadership background. The position offers competitive benefits and a commitment to inclusion.

Benefits

Fair and equitable pay

Health and well-being programs

Professional development opportunities

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Over 10 years of experience in insights or strategy.
• At least 6 years in leadership roles.
• Strong background in embedding insights into product innovation.
• Ability to manage complex research programs effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead the global insights agenda for the Food Service business.
• Translate consumer behaviour and market dynamics into actionable insights.
• Drive connected strategic planning across Marketing and Innovation.

Skills

Insights management

Strategic thinking

Data analysis

Communication skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Job description

About the opportunity

This is a rare opportunity to lead the global insights agenda for Fonterra’s Food Service business, shaping how data and intelligence drive innovation, category growth, and commercial success. As Head of Insights, you’ll be at the heart of strategic decision-making—translating consumer behaviour, customer needs, market dynamics, and competitive activity into actionable insight that fuels product development and marketing excellence.

You’ll lead a high-performing team of regional Insights Managers and collaborate closely with category, marketing, and commercial teams across global markets. Your work will directly influence the end-to-end product lifecycle—from early-stage innovation through to in-market execution—ensuring our offerings are grounded in evidence, aligned with emerging trends, and differentiated in the eyes of our customers.

This role also plays a key part in driving connected strategic planning across Marketing and Innovation, helping to build robust, insight-led product and brand strategies that deliver real impact.

About you

You’re a strategic thinker with a passion for turning data into direction. With deep experience in insights, research, and analytics—ideally across global markets—you know how to connect the dots between customer needs, market trends, and commercial outcomes.

• Over 10 years of experience in insights, strategy, or related fields, with at least 6 years in leadership roles
• A strong track record of embedding insights into product innovation, category strategy, and go-to-market planning
• Expertise in managing complex research programs and synthesizing diverse data sources into clear, compelling narratives
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to influence cross-functional teams across regions
• Excellent communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to tailor insights to different audiences
• A strategic lens and commercial acumen that help shape long-term growth agendas

If you’re ready to lead a global insights function that drives meaningful change and innovation, we’d love to hear from you.

Our values

At Fonterra, our values of Good Together, Better Every Day, and Every Drop Counts, are for everyone—no matter your background, identity 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

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)
• Parental leave support
• Employee recognition
• Support for community involvement and cultural connection

To learn more, visit Fonterra Careers.

A career of opportunities

At Te Mātāpuna Fonterra, be inspired by purpose and guided by our principles and values. Create goodness for generations and make a global impact at a local level. As part of our Co-operative, be an everyday creator, imagining what Fonterra, dairy, and you can be here.

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.

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).

Even if you don’t meet every requirement listed, we encourage you to apply; we value potential and growth.

References