General Manager Technology Data & AI Operations

About the Role

Fonterra Te Mātāpuna invites you to join our Operations team as General Manager of Technology, Data & AI. Reporting directly to the Director of Operations Optimisation, you will spearhead the strategic vision and operational delivery of data, artificial intelligence, digital product solutions, and technology capabilities within Operations. You will be the crucial link between Operations leadership and central technology teams, ensuring business priorities are converted into a well-aligned portfolio of initiatives driving operational excellence and improved performance.

As the head of the Operations Data & AI segment, you'll guide demand shaping, investment prioritisation, adoption efforts, and foundational developments to empower Fonterra to leverage data and AI at scale. Your scope covers product strategy, platform ecosystem, information management, and transformational business initiatives to create measurable benefits throughout the Operations network.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive Technology, Data & AI transformation roadmap tailored for Operations.
• Serve as a strategic liaison between Operations and central technology teams, translating operational priorities into impactful digital, data, and AI projects.
• Promote widespread adoption of AI, digital products, business intelligence, and data management capabilities across Operations.
• Manage the portfolio of operational digital products and platforms, including prioritisation of investments, governance oversight, and balancing portfolio trade-offs.
• Implement strong data governance, data quality, and information management frameworks across the organisation.
• Lead development of AI foundational elements and prepare Operations for emerging AI use cases.
• Collaborate with architecture, technology, data leaders, and central IT to deliver scalable, secure, and enterprise-aligned technology solutions.
• Champion change adoption and build organisational capabilities that encourage innovation, curiosity, and data-driven decision-making culture.

Candidate Profile

You are a strategic, commercially astute leader with a deep understanding of how technology, data, and AI can enhance business outcomes. You have a successful history of steering complex transformation programs and excel at the intersection of business strategy, technology deployment, and operational excellence.

• Demonstrable extensive experience leading initiatives in digital transformation, technology innovation, data analytics, AI, or business transformation.
• Proven capability to align data and technology strategies with enterprise-wide business goals.
• Experience managing large and multifaceted portfolios encompassing products, platforms, analytics, and digital initiatives.
• Exceptional skills in stakeholder management and influencing cross-functional teams.
• Proven track record building and leading high-performing teams and enhancing organisational capabilities.
• A strong passion for innovation, continuous process improvement, and advancing adoption of new technologies.

Additionally, you hold the following qualifications and experience:

• A relevant bachelor's degree in Business, Technology, Engineering, Data Science, or related discipline.
• Over 12 years of leadership experience in IT, corporate strategy, technology, digital transformation, or business leadership roles.
• At least 10 years’ experience managing and leading people.
• Confirmed experience in planning and executing multi-year transformation programs.
• Advanced skills in data governance, digital product ownership, platform management, and operational improvement methodologies.
• Experience managing enterprise technology ecosystems and engaging with strategic vendors such as SAP, Microsoft, or IBM.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts and strategic plans clearly to engage and drive enterprise-wide action.
• Postgraduate qualifications in business or technology are highly valued.

Our Values and Commitment

At Fonterra, our values of Good Together, Better Every Day, and Every Drop Counts unify us across all backgrounds and experiences. These values guide our efforts in delivering outstanding results to farmers, customers, communities, and colleagues.

Our comprehensive benefits include fair compensation, health and well-being programs encompassing medical and mental health support, professional development, career growth opportunities, flexible work-life balance options, employee recognition, and encouragement for community involvement and cultural engagement.

Inclusion and Diversity

We strive to foster an inclusive environment representing diverse ethnicities, genders, identities, orientations, ages, abilities, neurodiversity, cultures, and religions. Applications from all backgrounds are welcome; we value each candidate's potential and growth.

Additional Information

If you require accessibility support or accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact the recruiting team to ensure equitable participation. Application deadline is midnight Wednesday 7th October.