Iconic dairy brands, exciting dairy future!
Mainland Dairy is entering a bold, new chapter. Evolving from our roots with Fonterra, we are set to become a division of the Lactalis Group, the world's largest dairy company known for its firm belief in the future of dairy and rapid, consumer-driven growth. We're looking for highly skilled and knowledgeable people who are energised by the opportunity, a change that is slated for the first half of 2026 (pending sale conditions) but starting as soon as the right candidate is identified and available. At Mainland Dairy, we believe that from Goodness comes Greatness, and we're excited by our future. Come join us and help shape a consumer-focused future to be proud of.
About Us
Mainland Dairy manages an Australian supply chain underpinned by strategic partnerships across logistics, warehousing, freight forwarding and related service providers. These partnerships enable the efficient, safe and reliable movement of dairy products from site to customer across the country. With a strong focus on operational excellence, food safety and continuous improvement, we work collaboratively with our supply partners to uphold Fonterra's standards and deliver consistent performance at scale.
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Performance Manager – Logistics to lead the governance, performance and strategic management of our contracted logistics, warehousing, transport and freight forwarding partners across Australia. This role is critical in ensuring our external supply partners consistently deliver against contractual, commercial, safety and service expectations while supporting a high‐performing, resilient supply chain. Reporting to the National Logistics & Distribution Manager, you will also lead one direct report responsible for vendor administration and payment accuracy. Key responsibilities include:
* Leading end‐to‐end contract management, including new contracts, tenders, reviews, extensions and terminations
* Establishing robust governance frameworks aligned to KPIs, SLAs and customer performance expectations
* Providing end‐to‐end management and governance of a large, high‐value contract portfolio
* Delivering strong commercial and financial oversight, ensuring contract performance aligns with agreed financial, service, and risk parameters
* Driving structured performance review cadences with vendors (weekly, monthly and quarterly)
* Partnering with logistics, warehousing and freight providers to drive continuous improvement
* Managing escalated performance issues and disputes in a fair, timely and commercial manner
* Providing data‐driven insights on vendor performance, spend, compliance and risk
* Ensuring accurate supplier payments, rate maintenance and reconciliation through SAP
* Overseeing compliance with health & safety, quality, food safety, sustainability and regulatory standards
* Leading, coaching and developing a direct report while role‐modelling Fonterra values
About You
You are a commercially astute logistics professional who thrives on building strong supplier partnerships, driving accountability, and delivering performance through structure, insight and influence. You bring a collaborative mindset, strong communication skills, and the confidence to engage at all levels—both internally and externally. You can demonstrate:
* Tertiary qualifications in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Management or a related discipline
* 7+ years' experience managing logistics, warehousing, distribution or similar operations
* Proven experience in vendor performance management, contract governance, KPIs and SLAs
* Strong stakeholder management and negotiation capability across complex environments
* Experience working with SAP or similar ERP systems
* An analytical, proactive approach with a passion for continuous improvement
Be Part of Dairy's Future
Great people continue to power this business forward. Our people thrive within a positive working environment, a collaborative and caring culture and leadership that continues to inspire. We believe in you bringing your best and most authentic self to work and we want you to succeed in a way that allows you to win, in every aspect of your life. We strongly encourage applications from First Nations people, as well as individuals of diverse cultural, linguistic, and social backgrounds. Our team is dedicated to supporting your professional development and personal wellbeing. We welcome your application and look forward to the possibility of you joining our inclusive team.
Please note that applicants must have full working rights and we are not accepting submissions via recruitment agencies. Let's make this your best move yet. Apply now!
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