Operations Assistant Transport - Pahiatua

Imagine Tomorrow with Us At Fonterra Te Mātāpuna, 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.

Our Pahiatua site specialises in producing whole milk powder that is exported to markets around the world. Over a season, more than 600 million litres of milk and processed into whole milk powder by our three powder plants. Our Longburn site specialises in supplying raw milk, reverse osmosis retentate to other Fonterra sites. The raw milk and retentate are used to produce milk powders and cheese. Our Transport Team have a collection area spanning from Wellington to Wairarapa & Taranaki. We have close relationships with our key stakeholders working collaboratively to provide a comprehensive service to our supplier / shareholders.

Joining us as an Operations Assistant you'll play a key role within our milk collection operation at our Pahiatua depot, supporting day-to-day milk collection operations and maintaining truck hygiene standards, ensuring the fleet remains compliant for milk collection activities. This hands-on role requires adaptability and the ability to work in a variety of conditions throughout the year. You'll bring a strong focus on health and safety, product integrity, customer service, problem-solving, and accurate reporting. Key responsibilities include:

  • Ensuring the effective operation of yard equipment and conducting visual checks in accordance with SOPs for CIP and milk reception/load-out bays.
  • Maintaining office and depot consumable stock levels within budget requirements.
  • Assisting with the driving and relocation of tankers, as well as the transportation of personnel when required.
  • Conducting CIP testing and accurately recording chemical levels, temperatures, faults, and operational issues.
  • Investigating tanker gradings and coordinating maintenance requests.
  • Completing regular reporting and maintaining accurate operational documentation.

This position operates on a Monday to Friday day-shift roster.

We're looking for a reliable and proactive team player with a positive, can-do attitude and a commitment to contributing to team success. You will have strong written and verbal communication skills, sound planning and problem-solving abilities, and a practical mechanical aptitude. Your ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and maintain attention to detail will help ensure smooth day-to-day operations. To be successful in this role, you'll also have:

  • Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
  • Confidence navigating computer systems and completing data entry tasks.
  • Experience with reporting and maintaining accurate records.
  • A strong commitment to health, safety, and operational excellence.

A Class 5 licence and recent heavy vehicle driving experience would be beneficial.

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

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

Does this sound good to you? Come join our whānau - bring your whole self, and let's solve for better together.

Inclusion is key to our Co-operative. We're building a team that reflects the diverse world we live in, believing it drives better decisions and innovation. We welcome applications from all backgrounds (ethnicities, genders, identities, orientations, ages, abilities, neurotypes, cultures, religions). Even if you don't meet every requirement listed, we encourage you to apply; we value your potential and growth. If you face accessibility issues or need accommodations during the process, please contact your recruiter. We ensure fair participation, allowing you to be at your best. Applications close at midnight on Friday 18th September.

Apply Now
Save