Co-op Business Partner - Multiple Locations

General Information

Date Published 07-May-2026 Advertising Ends 21-May-2026 ID# 15668 Role Type Strategy & Project Management Work Type Permanent Full-Time Workplace Type On-site Country New Zealand Location Flexible Location - NZ

Position Description

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

At Fonterra, we’re a farmer‑owned Co‑operative with a long‑term lens. Our strength comes from trusted relationships, commercial discipline, and people who know how to partner for mutual success. 

This is an opportunity to step into a high‑impact, relationship‑led business role, owning the connection between Fonterra and our shareholder farmers — and shaping the future of the Co‑op. 

We are looking for Co-op Business Partners in the following locations:

• North Waikato
• East Waikato
• South Waikato
• West Waikato
• Northern Bay of Plenty
• Taranaki – Southern
• Taranaki – Central
• Taranaki – Coastal
• Manawatu 
• Canterbury
• Southland

Please indicate your location preference in your application.  

Mō tēnei tūranga | About the opportunity  

As a Co‑op Business Partner, you are the Business relationship owner for a defined portfolio of shareholder farmers. Your purpose is to protect and grow long‑term milk supply and farmer loyalty by strengthening trust, alignment, and engagement with the Co‑operative. 

This is not a support role, and it’s not transactional selling. You won’t be managing day‑to‑day operational requests — you’ll be focused on strategic relationship management, insight‑led engagement, and influencing outcomes across complex farm businesses. 

You will operate with a high level of autonomy and ownership, while drawing on the full strength of Fonterra — data, specialists, sustainability capability, and enterprise‑scale systems. 

Key accountabilities include: 

• Owning and managing a portfolio of farmer relationships, with accountability for engagement quality, retention, and long‑term supply 

• Acting as a trusted business partner to farmers, understanding their commercial drivers and future plans 

• Translating Co‑operative strategy, performance, sustainability priorities, and value propositions into meaningful, relevant conversations 

• Developing targeted engagement and retention plans aligned to individual farm business needs 

• Identifying and supporting future milk supply opportunities, including building relationships with sharemilkers and emerging farm owners 

• Working closely with Regional Managers, Farm Source teams, and specialists to ensure farmers are connected to the right expertise at the right time 

• Representing Fonterra credibly and confidently within regional farming communities 

 

Why this role is different 

• Purpose with commercial impact 
  You’ll work directly with New Zealand farmers in a role that balances commercial outcomes with long‑term stewardship of the Co‑operative. 

• Partnership, not transactions 
  Success isn’t measured by short‑term sales, but by trust, influence, and sustained relationships. 

• Autonomy with backing 
  You’ll have real ownership of your portfolio, supported by enterprise‑wide capability, data, and insight. 

• A long‑term career 
  As part of a globally recognised, farmer‑owned Co‑operative, you’ll have access to development, mobility, and career pathways across Fonterra. 

• Strong local connection 
  Live and work in the regions you support, embedded in local communities, with flexibility aligned to the realities of rural life. 

 

Mōu | About You 

You’re a commercially astute relationship manager who is comfortable operating in complex environments, influencing decisions, and balancing multiple stakeholder needs. 

You may come from agribusiness, ag banking, rural advisory, account management, or another customer‑led commercial role — hands‑on farming experience is valuable, but not essential. 

What matters most is your ability to: 

• Own and manage a portfolio of customers or partners, with accountability for engagement and retention 

• Build deep, credible relationships based on trust and commercial insight 

• Lead strategic conversations and navigate constructive challenge 

• Understand rural or primary‑industry business drivers and decision‑making 

• Operate independently, while collaborating effectively across a wider organisation 

• Use CRM systems and data to plan, prioritise, and manage relationships 

  

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 

 

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 accommodations during the process, please contact your recruiter. We ensure fair participation, allowing you to be at your best. Tātou, tātou.