Business Manager

About the Opportunity | Mō tēnei tūranga We’re looking for a Business Manager to lead the Office of the COO and play a pivotal role in shaping how Operations runs, performs, and delivers. Partnering directly with the COO, you will be accountable for setting the operating rhythm, shaping priorities, and ensuring disciplined execution of enterprise and Co-operative outcomes. This is a critical leadership role at the centre of Operations – acting as a trusted advisor, integrator, and extension of the COO, enabling alignment, clarity, and high‑quality execution at pace. Key areas of impact include: Leading the Office of the COO, including governance, leadership cadence, and executive rhythm. Designing and embedding the COO business management system to drive disciplined, consistent execution. Shaping and managing the COO’s forward agenda, priorities, and decision‑making forums. Translating strategy into clear priorities, execution plans, and performance tracking. Driving data‑led decision‑making, ensuring leadership forums are focused, outcome‑driven, and action‑oriented. Acting as the central integrator of transformation and optimisation initiatives, managing interdependencies and delivery. Providing a clear, real‑time view of performance, risks, trade‑offs, and enterprise outcomes. Enabling alignment and execution across the COO LT and broader enterprise stakeholders. Leading critical cross‑functional initiatives to unblock progress and accelerate delivery. This role sits at the heart of Operations and provides direct exposure to enterprise priorities and senior leadership decision‑making. You bring: Experience in strategy, transformation, operations, or top‑tier consulting environments. A track record of delivering complex, cross‑functional initiatives at pace. Proven ability to operate effectively with senior leadership and executive stakeholders. Strong commercial and operational acumen. Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing capability. A structured, disciplined approach to problem‑solving and execution. The ability to bring clarity, alignment and momentum to ambiguous environments. You are equally comfortable shaping thinking, challenging constructively, and driving outcomes, and you operate with a high degree of ownership and accountability. Why this role This is a career‑defining opportunity for a high‑calibre operator looking to step into a role with: Direct partnership with the COO. A central role in shaping how Fonterra executes and performs. A strong pathway to future leadership roles across the organisation. Benefits We care for our people globally. Our comprehensive benefits support your well‑being, development, and work‑life balance: Fair and equitable pay. Health and well‑being programs (medical, mental health support). Work‑life balance options (flexible/hybrid working where possible). Employee recognition. Support for community involvement and cultural connection. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr