Posted 19 July, 2026
Upper North Island Portfolio Manager
Fonterra Co-operative Group
Wellington, WGN, NZ
Full Time
Reference: cf545931c027934b
Job Description
About the Role We are looking for a strategic and influential leader to lead the integration, prioritisation and performance of our regional capital investment portfolio across our Upper North Island sites. As the Regional Portfolio Manager, you will be the trusted advisor to regional and site leadership on capital investment, guiding where and how capital is deployed to deliver the best long‑term value. Responsibilities Act as the business partner to Regional and Site Leadership on capital investment decisions, shaping investment proposals and supporting evidence‑based decision making. Lead the development and optimisation of the regional capital investment portfolio, ensuring alignment with business strategy, asset lifecycle priorities and long‑term value creation. Integrate long‑term asset plans, operational requirements, national programmes, growth opportunities and emergent capital needs into a single prioritised regional portfolio. Optimise investment trade‑offs across compliance, reliability, growth, affordability, delivery capability and operational risk. Drive capital efficiency across the portfolio, ensuring investments deliver maximum value. Lead regional portfolio governance processes to enable high‑quality investment decisions. Provide clear visibility of portfolio risks, constraints, trade‑offs and performance. Ensure capital investment decisions are supported by robust prioritisation, transparent governance and a strong focus on business outcomes. Partner with Finance Business Partners to support proposals with sound commercial analysis, affordability assessments and benefit assumptions. Develop and maintain the regional capital portfolio and pipeline of investment‑ready projects. Ensure a strong connection between asset condition, operational priorities, delivery capability and capital allocation decisions. Drive proactive planning and portfolio discipline, reducing reactive capital spend and improving investment outcomes. Provide leadership and direction to ensure effective delivery of the capital portfolio through Delivery Managers and Project Managers. Balance portfolio priorities against available project management capacity, site resources, operational windows and vendor capability. Support successful execution while maintaining a focus on overall portfolio outcomes and value delivery. Lead, coach and develop a high‑performing regional projects team. Build capability across project management and portfolio management disciplines. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement and disciplined delivery. Lead through respect, care and authenticity, building trusted relationships and creating an environment where people can succeed. Qualifications Proven experience leading capital project programmes or major project environments where competing priorities must be balanced to maximise value. Extensive experience in capital projects, engineering, manufacturing, food, FMCG or related industries. Strong commercial acumen, including experience with business cases, capital allocation, procurement, vendor management and NZS3910/FIDIC‑style contracts. Experience leading governance processes that enable clear, evidence‑based investment decisions. Strong judgement and ability to evaluate trade‑offs across risk, cost, value and delivery constraints. A highly collaborative leadership style with the ability to align stakeholders across Operations, Engineering, Asset Lifecycle, Finance and Project Delivery. Strong communication skills and credibility to influence senior leaders in complex environments. A track record of building high‑performing teams and developing people. A coaching mindset that lifts capability and creates sustainable performance. A passion for improving systems, processes and ways of working to deliver better outcomes over time. Benefits Fair and equitable pay. Health and well‑being programmes (medical, mental health support). Work‑life balance options (flexible/hybrid working where possible). Employee recognition. Support for community involvement and cultural connection. Our Commitment to Inclusion We welcome applications from all backgrounds including ethnicities, genders, identities, orientations, ages, abilities, neurotypes, cultures and religions. Even if you do not meet every requirement listed, we encourage you to apply; we value your potential and growth. Applications close at midnight on Thursday 23rd July. #J-18808-Ljbffr