Farms Manager - South Waikato

General Information

Position Description

Whāia tō ara whakamua i konei | Where to next? Imagine tomorrow—here at Fonterra 

Here at Te Mātāpuna Fonterra, we believe in nurturing talent and providing opportunities for growth. If you’re applying for the next step in your career journey here at Fonterra, then you’ve come to the right place. 

Whether you’re looking to deepen your expertise, broaden your horizons, or take on a new challenge, we’re here to support your progress. We’ll help you bring your best and be at your best—because your growth is our growth. 

He kupu mō mātou | About us

At Fonterra, our strength lies in our commitment to sustainable practices and innovation. Our Nutrient Management team, part of Food Safety, Quality and Regulatory is dedicated to the sustainable management of nutrients from Fonterra’s manufacturing sites across New Zealand.

 We manage 29 Fonterra-owned farms, focusing on the management, sale, transportation, and spreading of nutrient-dense streams. Our vision is to achieve sustainable nutrient management on farms, adhering to Fonterra’s Global Sustainability standards and guidelines, while maximizing the value of nutrients and secondary products.

Mō tēnei tūranga | About the opportunity

We are seeking a Farm Manager to join the Central North Island Farms Team in the South Waikato. These farms are located between Putaruru and Tokoroa and consist of three ex forestry blocks, Pinedale 1,350ha, Sneddon 850ha and Waratah 650ha. With 1,200ha effective with an additional 150ha under development, these farms are known for exporting high-quality pasture to Fonterra Shareholders via a cut carry system managed by local contractors. Lamb grazing at Waratah compliments the system.

This is a pivotal leadership role where you’ll support our local manufacturing sites by managing land where wastewater and high-strength nutrients are applied. Reporting to our CNI Regional Farms Operations Manager, you will lead and optimise irrigation capacity and nutrient spreading activities within environmental and regulatory limits.

Your leadership will ensure profitable farming operations that deliver returns to Fonterra shareholders. This is an opportunity to drive innovation and sustainable practices in one of Fonterra’s largest farming portfolios. 

Key Responsibilities

As the Farm Manager, you will:

- Sustainability: Drive sustainable and profitable farming operations by achieving sustainability targets across multiple farm blocks, ensuring compliance with Fonterra’s standards and industry best practices.

- Financial Management: Support farm financials, contribute to business planning for capital replacement plans and budgets, and manage significant farm assets.

- Leadership: Lead and motivate teams to lift performance, identify innovative commercial opportunities, and manage stakeholder relationships with NZ Manufacturing, local farmers, external contractors, and rural service professionals.

- Collaboration: Work closely with irrigation and environmental teams and manage contractor relationships to meet operational objectives.

- Health & Safety: Lead hazard identification, risk assessment processes, and incident management, ensuring compliance with safety systems.

About you | Moe koe

You’re a self-starter with a strong background in pasture management and a passion for learning and growth. You bring:

- A tertiary qualification in Agribusiness (preferred, but not essential).

- At least 10 years of practical farming experience, including 5 years in farm management roles in large-scale operations.

- Proven ability to manage multiple farms, strong stakeholder management, and experience with people management and team leadership.

- In-depth knowledge of large-scale farm management, farm financials, health and safety systems, and farm-related software programs.

- A focus on delivering sustainable performance, effective collaboration, and driving meaningful change.

- A strong commitment to health and safety. 

This is a permanent role, working an average of 50 hours per week. The successful applicant will receive a housing allowance as part of their remuneration package. Farm vehicles and machinery are modern and in excellent condition.

 This is an exciting opportunity to lead one of Fonterra’s largest farming portfolios, driving sustainable practices and innovation. You will play a crucial role in shaping the future of nutrient management and contribute to Fonterra’s global sustainability goals.

Ngā Uara | Our Values 
We live our values every day—Good Together, Better Every Day, and Every Drop Counts.  

They are for everyone and guide how we show up for each other, our farmers, and our communities.  

Take our Values Quiz to reflect on how your values align with ours. Click here. 

Tā mātou oati | Our Commitment to You 
We’re committed to helping you grow, empowering you to be your best self, and encouraging you to contribute and learn. You’ll find support through: 

• Career development and mentoring 

• Work-life balance options (flexible/hybrid working where possible) 

• Recognition and internal mobility pathways 

• A safe, inclusive environment where you can thrive 

Ngā Mahi | A Career of Opportunities 
At Te Mātāpuna 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. 

Tātou Tātou | Continue your journey with us 
You’re already part of our whānau—now imagine what’s next. Take the next step in your Te Mātāpuna Fonterra journey and apply today. 

Applications close at midnight Sunday 27th July 2025

He Wāhi mō te Katoa | 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 your potential and growth.  

If you face accessibility issues or need reasonable accommodations during the process, please contact your recruiter. We ensure fair participation, allowing you to be at your best. Tātou, tātou.