Head of Cheese Foods

Here at Fonterra, we are committed to growing our people. We value you and your career progression and are excited that you are taking this next step in your career journey with us. We are proud to offer a wide variety of roles across the Co-op, ensuring that no matter what business unit or stage of life you're in, there's a good chance we've got something to suit. At our Research and Development Centre in Palmerston North, we know the smallest things can make a difference, so we research and develop products that last longer, stretch further, work faster, waste less, withstand more and taste better. Bringing together world-class dairy products and the deep expertise of our people we work alongside the passionate, talented and innovative food professionals who are driving dairy industry and innovation. About the opportunity | Mō tēnei tūranga Join our team as Head of Cheese Foods at Fonterra Research and Development Centre, on a permanent basis. As Head of Cheese Foods, you will lead the cheese team and enhance capabilities through strategic planning focused on delivering commercial value to Fonterra. You will work with our R&D Cheese Technical Director and Lead to develop a comprehensive cheese program, overseeing the pipeline delivery and streamlining knowledge to meet strategic objectives quickly. In addition to your pivotal work on the pipeline, you will also drive the development and engagement of our team's capabilities. This role includes implementing new training programs and fostering a culture of collaboration to optimize workflow and output. Your leadership will be key in motivating and inspiring the team, helping us attract and retain top talent. Key accountabilities include:

1. Develop Fonterra's comprehensive cheese innovation strategy in collaboration with the broader business.
2. Identify opportunities and risks associated with new technologies.
3. Partner with the R&D Cheese Technical Director and Lead to convert strategic needs into a cohesive program.
4. Develop the cheese intellectual property (IP) strategy in conjunction with Category & Innovation and IP Asset Strategy.
5. Collaborate with Category & Innovation, NZ Manufacturing, Global Engineering and Technical teams, as well as relevant markets, to support the business.
6. Drive the development and enhancement of team capabilities across the Cheese R&D portfolio.
7. Implement training programs and professional development initiatives to ensure staff are equipped with current skills and knowledge, facilitating faster onboarding and upskilling.
8. Communicate the cheese R&D program effectively to a wide range of stakeholders, both technical and non-technical.
9. Ensure skill transfer, succession planning, and strategic workforce planning adapt to future cheese requirements.
10. Develop a high-performing team.
11. Actively engage in the Dairy Foods & Foodservice lead team to promote initiatives that support the broader team.

You will be a strong people leader with extensive knowledge of the dairy and cheese industry. With a proven track record in a related industry professional role, you will possess strong relationship-building skills, sound technical and commercial acumen, and the ability to confidently communicate Fonterra’s strategy, performance, and value proposition to our community. Passionate about collaboration and committed to building high-performing teams for successful outcomes. To be successful in this role, you will have the following skills and experience:

1. Tertiary qualification in science, technology, or a related discipline.
2. Proven experience within the dairy or cheese industry.
3. Minimum of 5 years’ experience directing the technical aspects of project teams.
4. More than 5 years’ experience in an R&D innovation setting, including commercialisation.
5. Demonstrated project management skills with the ability to translate, communicate, and advocate for global customer requirements across Fonterra.
6. Established track record of delivering results in a fast-paced food production environment.
7. Strong leadership skills with the ability to coach and mentor team members.
8. Extensive technical knowledge, exceptional communication skills, and strong collaboration and stakeholder management capabilities.

Take advantage of this exciting and new opportunity to grow your career and make a significant impact in Fonterra's Strategic and Innovation goals. Our story | To Tatou Korero Being part of Fonterra means being part of a unique history, realising the potential of dairy for generations to come, and solving for a better future together.

• Whanaungatanga, our Co-operative spirit, guides a common strength and purpose.
• Manaakitanga is how we care for all our people at the heart of what we do.
• Kaitiakitanga ensures we care for the land, farming in a way that regenerates our farms and environment for future generations.
• Whakaohooho inspires us all with excellent career development opportunities, benefits, flexibility, and balance to suit everyone's lifestyles and choices.

Our Co-operative is a place where everyone can be themselves, feel empowered to do their best, and are empowered to create goodness for generations. Sound good to you? Come join our whānau and let’s solve for better, together. You, me, us together. Tātou tātou. Applications will close at midnight on Friday, 31st of January. #J-18808-Ljbffr