General Counsel – Global Markets – Exceptional Opportunity for Experienced Lawyer

• Senior legal role supporting Fonterra’s Global Markets & Growth & Strategy businesses
• Lead a highly experienced legal team based in New Zealand and the USA
• Strategic, commercial focused role with significant influence across a global organisation

An exceptional opportunity to lead at the intersection of law, strategy and global business within one of New Zealand’s most significant organisations.

About the role

Due to an internal move, Fonterra is seeking an experienced General Counsel – Global Markets to join its Auckland-based Legal Leadership Team.

Reporting to the Director of Legal, you will lead 5 direct report lawyers supporting Fonterra’s Global Markets and Growth and Strategy business units. 

This is a broad and influential role providing strategic and commercial legal advice to senior management working out of New Zealand, Singapore, the Middle East, Europe and the United States.  You will be advising on all aspects of the business including key projects, strategic customer contracts, regulatory and liability matters, critical events, disputes and litigation.

You will work closely with the business to manage legal risk while enabling commercial outcomes across Fonterra’s global operations.

You will also provide leadership to an experienced team based in Aotearoa New Zealand and the United States, helping shape the direction and performance of the wider legal function.

Fonterra places a strong emphasis on collaboration, high performance and developing its people, making this an opportunity to combine sophisticated legal work with genuine people leadership and strategic influence.

What we’re looking for

• An experienced qualified lawyer with at least 15 years’ relevant legal experience with a current New Zealand practising certificate, or eligibility to obtain one
• A combination of private practice and in-house experience working across multiple industries and jurisdictions
• Ability to operate at pace and in a global environment
• Expert knowledge of general business law and extensive experience providing strategic legal advice
• Highly developed influencing skills and strong executive presence
• Proven people leadership experience and strong commercial judgement with the ability to manage risk while driving business outcomes
• The confidence to operate autonomously while remaining closely aligned with the business
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

About the company

Fonterra is a New Zealand dairy co-operative with a significant international footprint, connecting its products and ingredients with customers and markets around the world.

This role sits within a collaborative and high-performing environment where legal is closely connected to the business and plays an important role in supporting strategic and commercial decision-making. Fonterra’s culture is underpinned by Good Together, Better Every Day and Every Drop Counts, with a strong focus on collaboration, transformation and performance.

For a senior lawyer looking to combine global complexity, leadership and meaningful commercial influence, this is a rare opportunity to play a key role within one of New Zealand’s most recognised organisations.

How do I apply?  

Click on “Apply Now”. Alternatively, contact us directly and quote reference number 1752125

Application Close Date:  30 September 2026

Kathryn Cross BMus LLB 

027 700 8049 | kathryn.cross@artemisnz.com 

Artemis Executive Recruitment is committed to creating inclusive and respectful workplaces.  We value diversity as a strength and welcome applicants that can help bring a difference to our client organisations.

At Artemis Executive Recruitment, we connect remarkable people with great places to work.