About us | Ko wai mātou
We are a proud New Zealand Co-operative built by generations of farming whānau. We believe nutritious food is essential to sustain people today, and for future generations to thrive, which is why we challenge ourselves to find new ways to bring our dairy goodness to people around the world.

At our Research and Development Centre in Palmerston North, we know the smallest things can make a difference, so we research and develop products that last longer, stretch further, work faster, waste less, withstand more and taste better. Bringing together world class dairy products and the deep expertise of our people we work alongside the passionate, talented and innovative food professionals who are driving dairy industry and innovation.

About the opportunity | Te whiwhinga mahi
We have an exciting opportunity for a Technician to join our R&D Dairy Foods and Food Service team a fixed term basis.

This is an entry-level role located our Fonterra Research and Development Centre (FRDC) in Palmerston North, reporting to the Cheese Foods Manager.

As our Technician, you will provide high-quality technical support for research independently, under regular supervision, and contribute to the outputs of our research teams. This role is essential in supporting Fonterra's innovation, business support, and capability development. We are looking for someone who is team oriented and excels at providing support and services to our stakeholders.

Your primary tasks will include developing products and applications at bench and pilot-plant scales, conducting storage trials, and testing physico-chemical, structural, functional, and sensory properties. You'll need a systematic approach with strong experimental design, data analysis, and reporting skills. Additionally, you'll maintain and service analytical and food labs as well as pilot plant equipment.

Key role responsibilities include:

• Generate data with critical analysis of quality, accuracy, and internal consistency with validation through application of trouble shooting principles.
• Manipulate data to a readily understandable form. Results to be presented to supervisors and immediate colleagues.
• Provide sufficient expertise in all the techniques and use of instrumentation/plant required to enable independent technical support and present innovative solutions to technical problems.
• Contribute to tactical planning, including time frames for delivery of technical data, and discriminate between courses of action and alternative technical approaches.
• Provide technical advice/guidance that may be open to review.
• High degree of organisation and full adherence to laboratory safety requirements. Provide improvements to existing laboratory/ plant systems
• Demonstrate Fonterra’s organisational values and principles, and actively support Technical and Research Teams and team goals and be receptive to self-improvement initiatives

We have an excellent training and development culture, and this is a fantastic opportunity to learn about our site, plant, and processes to build on your knowledge and experience.

About you | Ko wai koe
You’ll have a diploma in chemistry/analytical chemistry or similar discipline or 2 years’ work experience in a dairy, food, pharmaceutical or commercial laboratory.

To be successful in this role you will need:

• Knowledge of food science, especially dairy products, is desirable
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications and laboratory software systems (e.g. LIMS)
• Ability to problem solve technical issues and lead analytical investigations
• Able to work both independently and collaboratively when required.
• Be actively involved in seeking continuous improvement in work practices and activities
• Excellent communication skills, along with strong collaboration, communication, and stakeholder management abilities

Please note you must have work eligibility for New Zealand to be considered for this position.

Our story | To Tatou Korero
Being part of Fonterra means being part of a unique history, realising the potential of dairy for generations to come, and solving for a better future together.

• Whanaungatanga, our Co-operative spirit, guides a common strength and purpose
• Manaakitanga is how we care for all our people at the heart of what we do
• Kaitiakitanga ensures we care for the land, farming in a way that regenerates our farms and environment for future generations
• Whakaohooho inspires us all with excellent career development opportunities, benefits, flexibility, and balance to suit everyone's lifestyles and choices

Our Co-operative 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 join our whānau and let’s solve for better, together. You, me, us together. Tᾱtou tᾱtou.

Applications will close at midnight on Wednesday 09th of October.