Gm Research

Date Published- 27-Nov-2025-
- Advertising Ends- 11-Dec-2025-
- ID#- 14030-
- Role Type- General Management-
- Work Type- Permanent Full-Time-
- Workplace Type- Hybrid-
- Country- New Zealand-
- Location- Manawatu
- **Position Description**:
**Our Co-operative**
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Ata whakaarohia tō āpōpō | Imagine Tomorrow with Us**
- At Te Mātāpuna Fonterra, we want everyone to feel they can be themselves.
- Whether you're early in your career or ready for your next step, Fonterra offers a unique opportunity to grow with a global dairy co-operative that values care, collaboration, and contribution.
- Owned by New Zealand dairy farmers and supported by a dedicated team, we are all working together to create a better future. Imagine tomorrow with us, where your career can grow, and you can create positive change.
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He kupu mō mātou | About us**
- At the Fonterra Research & Development centre we deliver sustainable value through innovative product and technology development, deriving the best value from NZ milk.
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Mō tēnei tūranga | About the Opportunity**
This critical role based in Palmerston North will provide technical expertise and people leadership to develop and enable high-performing R&D teams, ensuring scientific excellence, strong team culture, and professional growth. It serves as the key link between technical and commercial stakeholders, aligning innovation with market needs and driving customer engagement.**Key Responsibilities include**:
Setting the strategic direction for the R&D component of protein ingredient projects: Define clear objectives and priorities for how R&D will be delivered, aligned to relevant strategies and business goals.
- Overseeing project execution and delivery: Monitor progress, allocate resources, and resolve barriers to ensure timely and successful project outcomes.
- Ensuring scientific rigor in development: Uphold high standards in experimental design, data analysis, and technical documentation.
- Guiding technical problem-solving and decision-making: Support teams in addressing complex challenges and making evidence-based decisions.
- Maintaining high standards in processing and manufacturing: Overseeing the development and optimization of processes to ensure product quality and efficiency.
- Building strong customer and partner relationships: Actively engage with customers and industry partners to understand needs and foster collaboration.
- Aligning R&D outcomes with commercial needs: Ensure that research priorities and deliverables support business growth and customer satisfaction.
- Lead a high-performance team, create an environment where team members feel developed, valued, supported and motivated.
**Mōu | About You**
PhD in a relevant discipline such as food technology, engineering, chemistry, or biochemistry.
- Proven experience in dairy protein ingredient R&D, with a focus on innovation and commercialization.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire technical teams, with a track record of building positive & engaged team culture.
- Experience in manufacturing and/or new ingredient development is highly valued.
- Commercial acumen and experience engaging with customers and external partners.
- Ability to set clear strategic direction for R&D initiatives, aligning objectives with business goals.
- Strong decision-making skills to evaluate and prioritize innovation opportunities & manage risks.
- Experience in managing complex, multi-disciplinary projects and optimizing processes for successful outcomes.
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Ngā Aura | Our Values**
- At Fonterra, our values of Good Together, Better Every Day, and Every Drop Counts, are for everyone - no matter your background, identify or experience. These values guide us in delivering exceptional outcomes for our farmers, customers, communities, and each other. Discover how your values align with ours by taking our Values Quiz
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Tā mātou oati | Our Commitment to You**
- 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)
- Professional development opportunities
- Career growth support
- Work-life balance options (flexible/hybrid working where possible)
- Employee recognition
- Support for community involvement and cultural connection
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Ngā Mahi | A Career of Opportunities**
- At Te Mātāpuna Fonterra, we are inspired by purpose and guided by our principles and values. Together, we create goodness for generations and make a global impact at a local level. As part of our Co-operative, you are an everyday creator, imagining what Fonterra, dairy, and you can be here.
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Tātou Tātou | Join Us**
- Does this sound good to you? Come join our whānau - bring your whole self, and let's solve for better together.
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You, me, us together, Tātou, tātou.**
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He Wāhi mō te Katoa | Together, we're shaping a future of inclusion.**
- Inclusion is key to our Co-operative. We're b