Senior Manager, ER/IR

Mainland Dairy, the business formerly known as Fonterra’s global Consumer and associated businesses, is now part of the Lactalis Group and known as Lactalis-Mainland Dairy. Lactalis is a French family‑owned business founded in Laval in 1933. Today, it is the world’s leading dairy group, present in 50 countries and employing around 85,500 people. It is home to some of the world’s best‑known global and international dairy brands, including Président, Galbani and Parmalat, as well as trusted local brands across each market. Lactalis‑Mainland Dairy is a team of more than 4,300 employees, operating 16 manufacturing sites across Oceania, Southeast Asia, South Asia and the Middle East. In New Zealand, we make well‑loved brands including Anchor, Mainland, Fresh ’n’ Fruity and Primo, which are enjoyed by generations of Kiwi households. Our passionate and talented team is committed to nurturing the future, unlocking new opportunities, and fostering innovation in nutrition and food. About The Opportunity Join Lactalis-Mainland Dairy in a pivotal leadership role where you’ll shape and lead ER/IR strategy across a complex, unionised environment. This is a unique opportunity to influence at the highest levels, partnering with senior leaders to navigate industrial landscapes and drive commercially sound, people‑focused outcomes. You will: Lead enterprise bargaining and union engagement end‑to‑end, including strategy, negotiation, and implementation Provide expert ER/IR advice to executives and senior leaders, guiding complex and high‑risk employee matters Own enterprise agreement implementation, ensuring accurate and consistent application across the business Drive ER/IR strategy and operating model uplift across New Zealand, strengthening capability and stakeholder relationships Partner across HR, Finance, payroll and operations to manage industrial risk, compliance, and workforce transformation initiatives About You You’re a seasoned ER/IR leader who thrives in complexity and brings a calm, credible presence to high‑stakes situations. With a strong commercial lens and deep technical expertise, you influence confidently at senior levels while building trust across leaders, employees, and unions. In addition to this, you will have: Extensive ER/IR experience in complex, unionised environments, with proven exposure to enterprise bargaining A strong track record managing high‑risk or sensitive employee relations matters Demonstrated experience advising senior leaders and shaping ER/IR strategy Deep expertise in enterprise agreements, including interpretation and implementation A pragmatic, solutions‑focused mindset with resilience, sound judgement, and high professional integrity What We Offer Competitive pay and benefits Career development and internal opportunities across a global business A team focused workplace in a fantastic culture where your work has real impact A strong commitment to quality, innovation and sustainability Our Commitment Lactalis-Mainland Dairy is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, or ability. #J-18808-Ljbffr