HR Business Partner

Company Overview

Lactalis New Zealand, formerly Fonterra Brands NZ, is part of the global Lactalis Group, a leading family-owned dairy company based in France. Operating in over 50 countries with around 90,000 employees, Lactalis offers an extensive range of dairy products. In New Zealand, Lactalis employs over 1,000 people across three manufacturing plants, two distribution hubs, and its corporate office. The company produces well-known local dairy brands such as Anchor, Fresh ‘n’ Fruity, and Mainland.

Role Summary

The HR Business Partner will be based onsite at the Takanini facility and plays a critical role in supporting site leadership to cultivate a safe, engaged, and high-achieving workforce. Reporting directly to the Site Manager and indirectly to the Head of Industrial & Supply Chain HR, this role involves close collaboration with leaders and employees to provide commercially aligned, practical HR solutions that drive the business strategy forward.

Primary Responsibilities

• Deliver comprehensive HR support including workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, performance management, talent development, employee engagement, cultural enhancement, change management, and employee relations.
• Collaborate with site and business leaders to strengthen capability, promote a positive culture, and implement change initiatives.
• Lead and manage employee relations issues such as investigations, disciplinary actions, grievances, and dispute resolution.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, manage workforce risk, and coordinate local industrial relations activities including union consultation when needed.
• Coach leaders on effective people management, organizational effectiveness, performance discussions, and change leadership.
• Analyze workforce metrics to identify trends and recommend actionable improvements.
• Partner with Health and Safety teams to reinforce safety leadership and regulatory compliance.

About the Facility

The Auckland Takanini site encompasses three manufacturing plants producing beverages, food, and UHT products with an annual volume of roughly 240,000 metric tonnes. Its product lineup includes Fresh and UHT milk, cream varieties, yogurt, custard, cottage cheese, sour cream, and cream cheese under iconic brands such as Anchor, Fresh’n Fruity, De Winkel, Country Goodness, and Kāpiti.

Candidate Profile

• Experienced HR generalist preferably within manufacturing, logistics, FMCG, or a similar industry, with strong skills in employee relations.
• In-depth knowledge of employment laws and industrial relations with a proven ability to manage complex ER cases fully.
• Experienced in recruitment, workforce planning, performance management, and talent development.
• Familiarity with conducting periodic HR processes like performance and remuneration reviews.
• Strong business partner with coaching and influencing experience at various leadership levels.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to translate workforce data into practical improvements.
• Resilience and flexibility to handle multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Educational background in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Business, or related fields, or equivalent practical experience.

What We Offer

• Competitive remuneration and benefits package.
• Opportunities for career growth within a global organization.
• A collaborative and supportive culture that values your impact.
• Commitment to safety, quality, innovation, and sustainability.