We are Fonterra, one of the world’s largest dairy nutrition companies.
In Australia, we collect milk from Aussie Farmers across Victoria and Tasmania. Our manufacturing sites turn this into dairy foods you know and love in our supermarkets, including Perfect Italiano™, Mainland™, Western Star™, and Bega™. We also sell dairy ingredients to the world’s leading food companies and partner with food services businesses nationwide to get dairy foods into chefs’ hands.
As a Co-operative created and owned by New Zealand dairy farmers, our collaboration, innovation, and passion have enabled us to share the goodness of our dairy with the world, we’re committed to caring for the land, our animals, and every drop of milk, producing nutritious food with safe, quality ingredients loved here in Australia and around the world.
In Australia, we employ people across the country. Our headquarters are in Richmond, Melbourne, but we also have eight manufacturing sites across Victoria and Tasmania and sales offices in Sydney, Adelaide, Perth, and Brisbane.
Our Brands and Markets
Our brands and the goodness of our dairy is loved by consumers in Australia, and in all four corners of the globe, from New Zealand to Australia, China, Southeast Asia, South Asia and North Asia, and over to the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the Americas.
Our Australian portfolio of well-known brands includes Western Star, Perfect Italiano, Bega Cheese, Mainland and Australian Dairies – made using trusted processes and the highest quality dairy.
We’re committed to producing dairy nutrition in a way that cares for people, animals and our environment, and brings value to our communities.
A sustainable future for our business is core to our strategy.
We’re bringing sustainability to the heart of everything we do – we need to respect and safeguard the wellbeing of our people, our farmers and their animals, and protect and regenerate our environment.
Caring for the planet for future generations is a collective responsibility. Click here to learn more!
Climate Change and Animal Wellbeing
Animal Wellbeing
We are committed to managing animals responsibly and continuously improving animal welfare outcomes through promotion of positive experiences as described by the ‘Five Domains’:
Freedom from hunger and thirst (Nutrition)
Freedom from discomfort (Environment)
Freedom from pain, injury, and disease (Health)
Freedom to express natural behaviour (Behaviour)
Freedom from fear and distress (Mental State)
Climate Change
We understand the critical challenge of climate change. We constantly look for more efficient methods for producing and distributing our dairy foods as we’re concerned about their impact on our families, communities, future farmers, and the planet.
We’ve set science-based targets through the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTI), taking steps to reduce our transport and manufacturing emissions and manage farm animal emissions.
We collaborate with others to ensure the Australian dairy industry leads in low-emissions food production.
Early Careers drive our co–operative’s enduring vision, injecting innovation, fresh perspectives, and diversity to ensure our legacy thrives for the next 150 years. Our journey begins here, offering a diverse range of early career opportunities, from graduate programs to internships and apprenticeships. These pathways empower you to shape your professional future and contribute to our collective growth. Join us and become part of a dynamic community dedicated to nurturing talent, fostering creativity, and sustaining a timeless legacy. Your career, aspirations, and our legacy converge in this remarkable journey.
Explore our career pathways below to embark on a fulfilling and impactful professional journey with us.
Apprenticeships
Embark on a holistic learning journey with Fonterra’s Apprenticeships, blending theoretical and practical knowledge with hands-on experiences. We offer opportunities at our processing sites across Victoria and Tasmania, where apprentices learn alongside mentors and teams in their chosen field, all while getting paid.
If you’re interested to hear more about apprenticeship opportunities reach out to our team here!
Entry Level Roles
We have a number of roles across the business for entry level applicants, both corporate and at our processing sites. Join our teams, and learn valuable skills as you work, no qualifications needed. Check out available positions here or contact us for more information.
Graduate Programme
Your adventure starts with Fonterra.
Fonterra Australia builds a significant part of the global Fonterra Co-op with around 1,600 employees across the country.
Here at Fonterra we truly believe we can develop future thought leaders by providing them the best experience at the beginning of their careers.
To support this, we’re offering a graduate program here in Australia – a unique, challenging and exciting experience in an environment where your contribution and ideas are welcomed.
We can offer:
Global Careers
Growth & Development
Access to Industry Experts
A Values-driven Culture
We have programs across the business including:
Commercial
Fonterra works across the entire dairy value chain, taking milk from farm to shelf. Our commercial team makes sure that every single drop counts. Learn more here!
Supply Chain
We produce more than two million tons of dairy ingredients, specialty ingredients, and consumer products each year with 95 percent of these exported globally. Find out more here!
Automation Engineering
Our Automation Engineers keep our equipment up and running across our different manufacturing sites, so we can produce the dairy brands our customers know and love. Graduates rotate through different teams to gain a full understanding of our Australian and Global business operations, allowing you to broaden your experience and explore your passion. Find out more in the tabs below.
What to Expect
You will be adding value as a full-time employee from day one, doing real work and delivering real results. You will be hired into a function and have the opportunity to become an expert in that field. We are focused on your training and afford you the time to improve these capabilities, whilst providing a challenging and fast-paced work environment.
Throughout the 18-month program, we will ensure you are set up to succeed and will be provided with plenty of support along the way. The diversity of what we do creates numerous opportunities for a rewarding and challenging start to your career.
You will:
Have access to a company induction, 18-month learning calendar and a tailored development plan.
Engage with our industry experts, be mentored by senior management and coached by your rotation supervisors.
Work on real projects to develop your skills and lift your career.
You will be hired into a permanent role, and have the opportunity to become an expert in your field.
What We’re Looking For
Who can apply?
Final year of undergraduate studies or within 2 years of graduating.
Credit average of 65 or higher.
Australian or NZ resident or citizen.
Who are we looking for?
We have a clear vision of our future and we know that we need the right people in the business to take us there. That’s why we’re looking for the next generation of leaders. Instead of specific degrees from particular disciplines, we’re looking for fresh thinkers, graduates who are passionate, innovative, and enjoy working collaboratively.
Future leaders who can help us become the world’s best dairy company and, in doing so, help us grow a better world. It’s a big ambition and the reason we need talent like you. If you can demonstrate customer focus, want to actively develop and grow your skills, value difference, can drive vision and purpose, and are self-aware, then look no further and join our Fonterra family.
Why Join Us?
As part of the Fonterra Co-op, you’ll be solving for a better future alongside a team connected by solid values as we strive to be a leader in dairy sustainability, dairy innovation and science, with a focus on New Zealand milk.
We have a clear vision of our future, and we know that we need the right people in the business to take us there. That’s why we’re looking for the next generation of leaders.
When you join Fonterra, you’ll open yourself to a career of opportunities where you can grow with us by developing your skills, sharing your knowledge, and exploring diverse career paths that ignite your passions.
So, if you can demonstrate customer focus, want to develop and grow your skills actively, value differences, drive vision and purpose, and are self-aware, then look no further and join our Fonterra family.
You, me, us together.
Our Culture
Fonterra is made up of everyday people doing good things together. It is a place where everyone can be themselves and feel empowered to do their best.
Our business is purpose-led, values-based and people-focused. We value our people and their contributions to our success. Our collaborative culture, inspiring leaders, and passionate employees make it a great place to work.
We create good through who we are. Through our mindset and behaviours – how we think, act, and feel. Through what we talk about and how we go about it. Our values, like our people, work together to make us better today and tomorrow.
We are proud to be a significant contributor to the communities where we operate, providing jobs and investment. This support is important to us, as it’s where our farmers and factories are. Since 2011, we’ve aided over 500 community groups and initiatives in Victoria and Tasmania, including providing equipment to sports clubs, supporting emergency services, maintaining local amenities, and offering emergency relief. Our manufacturing sites in regional areas have also created around 900 jobs.
Proud to be a Chef
Supporting the culinary leaders of tomorrow.
Foodbank
The largest hunger relief organisation in Australia, and we’ve been partners with them for 14 years.
Everyday people doing good things together
We encourage our people to volunteer their time to assist community-based, not for profit organisations. Learn more here!
Experience Fonterra
Discover the co-operative of Fonterra, where land, people, co-operation, and can-do attitude come together to create world-class products.
Join us for a farm to plate journey and find out how we dairy.
Our Perks and Benefits
Our people and what they bring to our Co-op shape our success. We have a collaborative culture, inspiring leaders, and passionate people, making Fonterra a great place to work. We also offer competitive remuneration and a range of benefits, regardless of your role or location.
We offer flexible working to ensure the job gets done whilst being there for life’s important moments.
With a global presence, a world of career opportunities awaits you.
We support your health and wellbeing with events, discounts on wellbeing products, and employee assistance programs.
We encourage lifelong learning and will help you develop your skills.
Enjoy discounted health insurance based on your employment type and location.
No matter your life stage or choices, we have leave options, including purchasing additional leave, enhanced parental benefits, and long-service leave.
How to Apply
Ready to get started? Here’s how to apply.
Head to Fonterra’s Careers Page here and click on ‘View our current vacancies” to search all our jobs.
Browse the listings and select the job that fits with your skills and interests.
Click “Apply” to begin. This will start the application process.
During the application, we’ll ask you some job-related questions. Be honest and think about your answers.
Upload your CV or resume. This shows us your skills and experience.
Double check your application. Make sure it’s accurate, then click ‘Submit’ to send your application to us.
Wait or our email. After pressing ‘Submit’, we’ll send an email letting you know we got your application.
Keep an eye on your inbox for updates on your application. We might ask you for more information or invite you to an interview if you’re a good fit.
Application and Interview Tips
Here are some tips to improve your chances of success during the Fonterra application and interview process:
Do your homework. Learn about Fonterra – our values, culture, and the role you are interested in. Show how your skills and experience align with what we’re looking for.
Make sure your CV is fresh and clean. Highlight experiences that are relevant to the job. Keep it short and sweet, but remember to show off your achievements.
Write a cover letter that stands out. Tell us why you’re the perfect match for Fonterra and the role. Show them you’re excited about what they stand for.
Prepare for your interview and use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to answer questions. Also, come prepared with your questions about the job, the team, and Fonterra’s culture to show them you’re interested.
Show your commitment to diversity, inclusion, and Health & Safety. These values are important at Fonterra.
Get to know Fonterra’s sustainability efforts. Be ready to chat about how you can help.
Building a Sustainable Future at Fonterra | Ryan's Career in Packaging Innovation
All Videos
Problem-Solving & Progress: Tanya’s Career Journey at Fonterra
From Farm to Food Service: Dwayne’s Sales Journey at Fonterra
From Butter Making to Milk Tankers: A Career Journey with Heart at Fonterra
Engineering Smarter Solutions | Cameron’s Automation Career at Fonterra
Helping Teams Thrive: Alan’s Role as an IWS Manager at Fonterra
Problem-Solving & Progress: Tanya’s Career Journey at Fonterra
From Farm to Food Service: Dwayne’s Sales Journey at Fonterra
From Butter Making to Milk Tankers: A Career Journey with Heart at Fonterra
Engineering Smarter Solutions | Cameron’s Automation Career at Fonterra
Helping Teams Thrive: Alan’s Role as an IWS Manager at Fonterra
Problem-Solving & Progress: Tanya’s Career Journey at Fonterra
From Farm to Food Service: Dwayne’s Sales Journey at Fonterra
From Butter Making to Milk Tankers: A Career Journey with Heart at Fonterra
Cultural Diversity
We strongly believe in creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their background or identity. This belief is essential to our success, aligns with our values, and guides how we interact with our stakeholders. We regularly track and report on our progress in this area. We are committed to achieving our global diversity and inclusion goals, and we strive to foster a culture where everyone feels comfortable being their true selves.
Gender Diversity
We are committed to attracting, developing and retaining a diverse group of talented individuals and creating an inclusive culture that enables everyone to bring their best and authentic selves to work every day.
We believe in including thought, experience, gender, ethnicity, sexuality and ability. We know that greater diversity will unlock our potential to be a market leader.
We are incredibly proud of who we are, of what we do and how we got here. We believe in the “how” just as much as in the “what” and that this is our competitive edge. We believe that our differences make us better, and that creating an environment of belonging will set us apart.
Our vision is to have workplace where inclusion and belonging is a lived experience. Our people feel valued and can be their authentic selves. We work hard to create an environment that enables our people to be their best. We do this because it’s good for our people, which means it’s good for our business.
