Internal Audit Manager
- Fonterra Co-operative Group
- Location: Auckland
- Employment Type: Full Time
About Fonterra
Fonterra is a New Zealand farmer-owned co-operative and one of the world's leading dairy nutrition companies. With operations across multiple countries and markets, we are committed to creating goodness for generations through high-quality dairy products, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Our Internal Audit function provides independent and objective assurance, helping the Co-operative manage risk, strengthen governance, and achieve its strategic objectives.
About the Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Internal Audit Manager to join our Auckland-based Internal Audit team.
This opportunity is ideally suited to experienced Internal Audit Managers, Senior Internal Auditors seeking progression, or professionals from Big Four Risk Assurance, Internal Audit, or Advisory backgrounds looking to move into a global in-house audit function.
Reporting to the General Manager Internal Audit, you will play a key role in delivering Fonterra's Internal Audit strategy and Annual Audit Plan. You will lead and manage a portfolio of audits across a diverse range of business functions, geographic regions, and strategic initiatives, providing independent assurance and practical insights that support business performance and effective risk management.
This role offers the opportunity to engage with senior leaders across the Co-operative, influence positive change, and contribute to the continued development of a high-performing Internal Audit function. The position also provides exposure to international operations through both domestic and overseas travel.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver complex risk-based internal audit engagements from planning through to reporting and follow-up.
- Develop audit scopes, risk assessments, testing strategies, work programmes, and audit reports in accordance with professional standards.
- Evaluate governance processes, risk management practices, and internal control frameworks across operational, financial, compliance, strategic, and technology-related activities.
- Build trusted relationships with stakeholders and provide constructive challenge and insight to support better decision-making.
- Contribute to the development and delivery of the Annual Audit Plan and broader Internal Audit strategy.
- Identify opportunities for process improvement and control enhancement across the business.
- Coach and develop audit team members, supporting capability growth and a high-performance culture.
- Promote the Internal Audit function as a trusted advisor and business partner throughout the organisation.
About You
You are a confident and commercially minded audit professional with the ability to influence, challenge, and build credibility with stakeholders at all levels of the organisation. You thrive in complex environments, bring a practical risk-based mindset, and are passionate about delivering meaningful outcomes.
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Commerce, or a related discipline.
- Professional qualification such as CIA, CA, CPA, CISA, or equivalent.
- IIA membership and/or CIA certification will be highly regarded.
- Minimum 10 years' experience in Internal Audit, External Audit, Risk Management, or a related assurance function.
- Previous experience leading complex audit engagements within large, multinational, or highly regulated organisations.
- Strong understanding of risk management frameworks, governance principles, and internal control environments.
- Experience using data analytics and technology-enabled audit techniques.
- Knowledge of emerging risks, including artificial intelligence and digital transformation initiatives.
- Strong project management, stakeholder engagement, and communication skills.
- Previous experience coaching, mentoring, or leading audit professionals.
- Willingness to travel nationally and internationally as required.
Why Join Fonterra?
Joining Fonterra provides the opportunity to work across a broad and diverse global business while helping strengthen governance, risk management, and operational performance across the Co-operative.
We offer:
- Meaningful and challenging work with exposure to strategic business initiatives.
- Opportunities to work closely with senior leaders across the organisation.
- Professional development and career growth opportunities.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements where appropriate.
- Health, wellbeing, and employee support programmes.
- A collaborative, inclusive, and values-driven culture.
- Exposure to both New Zealand and international operations.
Diversity and Inclusion
Fonterra is committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and included. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities and encourage candidates to apply even if they do not meet every requirement listed.
Applications close on 21 October 2026.
Join us and help deliver independent assurance, strengthen risk management, and create value across one of New Zealand's most significant global businesses