Fonterra Future Leaders Graduate Programme
- Feel connected here: When you're part of this, you're part of us. We are good together.
- Be inspired here: When you're part of this, you're part of a new generation. We are inspired to be better every day.
- Grow here: When you're part of this, we're part of your progress. Committed to helping you grow, making every drop count.
Whāia tō ara whakamua i konei | Where to next? Imagine tomorrow—here at Fonterra
Here at Te Mātāpuna Fonterra, we believe in nurturing talent and providing opportunities for growth. If you’re applying for the next step in your career journey here at Fonterra, then you’ve come to the right place.
Whether you’re looking to deepen your expertise, broaden your horizons, or take on a new challenge, we’re here to support your progress. We’ll help you bring your best and be at your best—because your growth is our growth.
Mō tēnei tūranga | About the opportunity
Our Future Leaders Graduate Programme aims to develop high-potential graduates into future senior leaders of Fonterra by giving them a fast-tracked, structured, learning experience across the Co-operative.
This two-year programme combines real-world experience with leadership development at every stage, giving you the skills, confidence and a guaranteed first role to launch your career. Our Future Leaders Graduate Programme features three streams - Technical, Sales & Training and Specialist.
Specialist Stream
- Placements in Engineering, Finance, Agribusiness or Data & AI
- Four rotations: two within your stream, one broader, one co-designed with you
- Build specialist skills and leadership capability
Sales & Trading Stream
- Placements across Global Ingredients and Food Service
- Four rotations: two within the stream, one broader, one co-designed by you
- Build your dairy economics experience and market/customer exposure
Technical Stream (previously FGTP)
- Complete your Masters of Dairy Science and Technology in Year 1 through Massey University
- Year 2: two six-month rotations - one in Operations, one broader business rotation
- Build technical expertise and gain hands-on experience across New Zealand
Throughout the programme, we invest in your leadership development, helping you Imagine Tomorrow as one of Fonterra's future leaders.
We are looking for...
- Final year students studying a relevant degree to the stream you are applying for. Note: for the Technical stream, you will need to be studying a STEM subject with honours and have a full driver’s licence by January 2027
- Leadership experience and potential.
- New Zealand citizen or permanent resident in New Zealand.
- Flexibility to move around New Zealand for programme placements is required for our Technical and Engineering streams. Flexibility for first roles off programme will also be beneficial for you.
Mōu | About you
Along with being passionate about shaping the future of dairy, being curious, innovative and knowing we are better when we work together, we also look for the following:
- You’re in your final year of a relevant degree or graduated within the last two years
- You will have a full driver's licence by January 2027 (this is needed to travel around our remote sites)
- You are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
- You are flexible to move around Aotearoa New Zealand during the programme and first role post-programme
- You have leadership experience or demonstrate leadership potential
Ngā Uara | Our Values
We live our values every day—Good Together, Better Every Day, and Every Drop Counts.
They are for everyone and guide how we show up for each other, our farmers, and our communities.
Take our Values Quiz to reflect on how your values align with ours.
Link here: https://values.fonterra.com/?utm_source=internal+job+ad&utm_medium=job+ad&utm_campaign=imagine+tomo…
Tā mātou oati | Our Commitment to You
We’re committed to helping you grow, empowering you to be your best self, and encouraging you to contribute and learn. You’ll find support through:
- Career development and mentoring
- Work-life balance options (flexible/hybrid working where possible)
- Recognition and internal mobility pathways
- A safe, inclusive environment where you can thrive
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.
Tātou Tātou | Continue your journey with us
You’re already part of our whānau—now imagine what’s next. Take the next step in your Te Mātāpuna Fonterra journey and apply today.
If you’d like to kōrero more about the role, reach out to earlycareers@fonterra.com
Applications close at midnight on 22nd March 2026.
He Wāhi mō te Katoa | Together, we're shaping a future of inclusion.
Inclusion is key to our Co-operative. We’re building a team that reflects the diverse world we live in—because we believe diverse teams create better outcomes and drive innovation.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences—including different ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, ages, abilities, neurotypes, cultures, and beliefs.
We welcome neurodiverse applicants and are committed to providing a supportive recruitment experience.
If you’re excited about this role but don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply. We value potential and growth.
If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact your recruiter. We’re committed to ensuring fair participation so you can be at your best. Tātou, tātou.
Te Reo Māori - Brochure
