Head of Operations

We are Fonterra, one of the world's largest dairy nutrition companies.

At Fonterra, you'll be inspired by purpose and guided by principles. Whether you're based in New Zealand or anywhere else around the world, you'll be part of a team that creates goodness for generations and delivers global impact through local action. Our brands are trusted by families and individuals alike, delivering high-quality dairy nutrition to millions of people globally.

As a Co-operative created and owned by New Zealand dairy farmers, our collaboration, innovation, and passion have enabled us to share the goodness of our dairy with the world. We're committed to caring for the land, our animals, and every drop of milk, producing nutritious food with safe, quality ingredients loved in New Zealand and around the world.

As part of the Fonterra Co-op, you'll be solving for a better future alongside a team connected by solid values as we strive to be a leader in dairy sustainability, dairy innovation and science, with a focus on New Zealand milk.

When you join Fonterra, you'll open yourself to a career of opportunities where you can grow with us by developing your skills, sharing your knowledge, and exploring diverse career paths that ignite your passions.

About us

Fonterra Foodservice is part of a global Co-operative, bringing the goodness of natural dairy to food professionals and businesses across the world.

Our Foodservice business is dedicated to supporting chefs, bakers, and foodservice operators with innovative dairy solutions and world-class brands - Anchor Food Professionals. We partner closely with our customers to understand their needs, deliver tailored products, and help them create exceptional food experiences. As a Co-operative, we believe in coming together to achieve a common purpose—making a positive impact in kitchens and communities everywhere.

At Fonterra Foodservice, we value inclusion, collaboration, and continuous improvement. We are committed to growing our people and supporting their career journeys, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to contribute and thrive in a dynamic, global environment.

About the role

Reporting to the Director, SEA Foodservice, the
Head of Operations - SEA
is responsible for ensuring seamless end-to-end execution across all supply chain elements, including third-party manufacturing (TPM) management, new product development (NPD), food safety & quality (FSQ), regulatory requirements, and health, safety & wellbeing (HSW).

This role drives operational excellence through matrix management of key capabilities and services provided by the COO and Operations teams in each SEA market, consolidating multiple operations activities under a unified structure for the SEA region.

The position collaborates closely with GC Operations, COO, and the Global Foodservice Centre of Excellence (GFS COE) to deliver best-in-class outcomes in TPM, innovation, FSQ, regulatory affairs, and HSW, supporting commercial objectives and ensuring compliance, efficiency, and continuous improvement across SEA.

Key Accountabilities

End-to-End Supply Chain Execution

• Ensure seamless execution across all supply chain elements, including third-party manufacturing (TPM) management, new product development (NPD), food safety & quality (FSQ), regulatory requirements, and health, safety & wellbeing (HSW).

Matrix Management of Capabilities

• Drive operational excellence through matrix management of key capabilities and services provided by supporting functions, consolidating multiple operations activities under a unified structure for the SEA region.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with GC Operations, COO, and the Global Foodservice Centre of Excellence (GFS COE) to deliver best-in-class outcomes in TPM, innovation, FSQ, regulatory affairs, and HSW. Lead and coordinate all in-market operational functions, including planning, logistics, customer service, TPM, and regulatory support. Ensure operational plans are aligned with commercial strategies and executed effectively.

Regional Planning & Forecasting

• Lead demand and supply planning for the Southeast Asia region, ensuring accurate forecasting, inventory optimization, and service level performance across all markets. Proactively manage risks and maintain continuity of supply by collaborating with commercial and supply chain teams throughout the region.

Regional Logistics & Customer Service

• Oversee efficient and cost-effective logistics operations—including warehousing, distribution, and order fulfillment—across Southeast Asia. Champion customer service excellence by ensuring timely delivery, resolving issues and complaints promptly, and maintaining proactive communication with stakeholders in all regional markets.

TPM & Regulatory Oversight (Regional Focus)

• Manage procurement related negotiation. Support and manage third-party manufacturing partners within the region to uphold quality, compliance, and service standards. Direct regulatory processes in-market, ensuring product compliance and facilitating market access throughout Southeast Asia. Build a more resilient TPM network.

Regional Performance Management & Reporting

• Monitor and report on key operational KPIs at the regional level. Identify performance gaps and lead initiatives to improve efficiency, cost, and service outcomes across Southeast Asia. Ensure operational performance is visible to relevant regional stakeholders.

People Leadership & Capability Building

• Lead and develop a diverse team of operational professionals. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Support talent development and succession planning within the operations function.

Critical Skills & Experiences

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years experience in operations, supply chain, or commercial support roles, preferably within FMCG or foodservice.
• Strong understanding of demand planning, logistics, customer service, and TPM operations.
• Commercial acumen including experience with budgeting, and cost optimisation at a regional level.
• Proven track record of leading across geographically dispersed teams.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills with ability to influence senior leaders, external partners and cross functional teams.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g. SAP), planning tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Are you excited about this opportunity but may only meet some requirements?

At Fonterra, we are committed to building a diverse workplace and, therefore, open to looking at applicants with excellent transferable skills. If that's you, we encourage you to apply as you may be the right candidate for this role or one of our other opportunities.

Or join our Talent Community by clicking [1] here, to be notified about new and relevant job opportunities.

The benefits of life at Fonterra

Our people and what they bring to our Co-op shape our success. We have a collaborative culture, inspiring leaders, and passionate people, making Fonterra a great place to work. We also offer competitive remuneration and a range of benefits, regardless of your role or location.

Fonterra is a place where everyone can be themselves, feel empowered to do their best, and are empowered to create goodness for generations.

Sound good to you? Come and join us, and let's solve for better, together. You, me, us together.

References

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