Legal Counsel — Dairy Export Regulation

Fonterra Co-operative Group is seeking a Legal Counsel for its regulatory and export compliance team at 109 Fanshawe Street, Auckland. New Zealand exports over NZ$20 billion of dairy products annually, and Fonterra's legal team ensures compliance across food safety regulations, export certification, and international market access requirements spanning 100+ countries.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise on dairy export certification and market access requirements under the Animal Products Act 1999 and MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) export standards
• Handle food safety regulatory compliance under the Food Act 2014 and associated risk management programmes
• Draft and negotiate supply agreements, tolling arrangements, and co-manufacturing contracts across NZ dairy operations
• Advise on Dairy Industry Restructuring Act 2001 (DIRA) obligations including raw milk supply and open entry/exit provisions
• Support market access negotiations and respond to trade barrier issues affecting NZ dairy exports

Requirements

• Admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand; 3-6 years PQE in regulatory, trade, or agricultural law
• Knowledge of the Animal Products Act 1999, Food Act 2014, and DIRA 2001
• Experience in FMCG, agricultural, or food industry legal roles preferred
• Commercial and pragmatic approach