Silver Fern Farms

I’m Sarah Wilson, a Marketing Graduate based in the Dunedin Hub at Silver Fern Farms. I first joined the business two years ago in the Category Marketing team, later moved into the Sustainability Team, and have recently returned to Marketing - this time with the Global Marketing team.

Come along with me for a travel day!

 

7:00am - Breakfast and Travel Prep

I wake up and make my go to brekkie: porridge and yoghurt. I’m getting ready to head up to Auckland to visit my team and attend the Northland Field Days, so it is a quick morning start.

 

7:45am - Off to Work

I’m out the door and on my way. I live just 10 minutes from the office. On the walk in, I usually check my Teams calendar so I know what is ahead, the weather app so I can provide premium small talk at the coffee machine, and I scan through my emails.

 

8:00am - Coffee Machine Ritual

I arrive at work and head straight to the coffee machine to make full use of that weather chat I prepped earlier. This is Britt, who works in the 5th Quarter team (the fifth quarter includes all the parts of the animal that are not red meat – think pet food products, healthcare ingredients, and collagen), and Bruno, who works in the Livestock Scheduling team.

Britt and I play basketball together after work, so we are giving Bruno the highlights from last night’s game while he gives me the rundown on how the Southland Field Days were in anticipation of my trip up to the Northland Field Days.

 

8:05am - Planning the Day

I sit down with my diary and jot down everything I need to get done. I write down all my meetings with time stamps so I do not have to keep checking my calendar. I also use a Teams board to track my tasks, so in my diary I prioritise them and write them in order, tackling the hardest one first.

 

8:20am - Check My Emails

Then I jump into my emails to catch up on anything that has come in overnight. I often have lots of projects on the go, so my inbox usually includes reviews of my work with suggestions to build on, invitations to new meetings, and responses from subject matter experts I have reached out to. Today I received an email from the Digital team about the brief I wrote on improving our customer sales portal.

 

9:00am - Creative Briefing Work

Time to get stuck into drafting a customer insights brief where we are looking to test consumer acceptance of our new sustainability technologies.

 

10:30am - Database Training

I meet Silver Fern Farms’ Shared Service Manager to learn how to use our new farmer supplier database. Silver Fern Farms has just updated it, and it is a great tool to help us connect more seamlessly with our farmers.

We use it at Field Days so we can understand which of our farmers attended and invite them into our hospitality tent to say thank you for everything they do. I love welcoming our farmers into the tent at Field Days. They bring such unique insights, and they truly are the backbone of our economy in New Zealand.

 

12:00pm – Lunch time!

This year I am training for the Sunshine Coast Marathon in August, so most lunchtimes I eat my lunch and I go for a run. Note: the first photo is where I eat my lunch.

It is such a great way to clear my head and take in the beautiful surroundings of downtown Dunedin. I am also part of the Silver Fern Farms Run Club, which meets most Wednesdays to run to the stadium. Here is the go-to Silver Fern Farms Run Club loop (thank you Strava!)

 

1:00pm - Brand Guidelines and Reviews

I spend the afternoon finishing off Silver Fern Farms’ brand partnership guidelines. These guidelines help ensure we strategically partner with other brands in a way that aligns with our brand objectives and helps us prioritise our spending. Once I finish drafting the document, I send it to the Global Marketing Manager and the US Marketing Manager for review and feedback.

 

5:00pm - Wrap Up

I finish up work for the day and head home briefly before my evening flight.

 

6:00pm - Off to the Airport

I make my way to Dunedin Airport to fly to Auckland, ready to meet my team and then head north for the Northland Field Days. Most of my team is based in Auckland and I am in Dunedin. I initially thought working remotely from my team would feel strange, but with Teams meetings I feel really connected and quite often get to visit them in Auckland. I land in Auckland and am looking forward to seeing my team in real life tomorrow!

What‘s your role at Silver Fern Farms?

In my role as a Business Analyst, I work with the business to understand current and future processes and identify requirements for system and process changes. I document functional requirements, clarify business rules, and ensure requirements are traceable from business needs through to system design and testing. I am involved across the delivery lifecycle, including process analysis, design discussions, testing support, and issue resolution. A key responsibility is ensuring that business intent is accurately reflected in system configuration and that risks and impacts are identified early.

I work closely with business stakeholders across finance, procurement, and operations, as well as project managers, solution architects, developers, and testers. I act as the link between business users and technical teams, helping both sides align on scope, priorities, and expected outcomes.

I add value by providing clarity and structure. By asking the right questions, documenting decisions, and challenging assumptions, I help reduce ambiguity and rework. My role supports better decision-making, improves solution quality, and ensures changes are practical and aligned with business needs.

This role provides strong exposure to internal knowledge, large-scale system implementations and business transformation. It builds experience in enterprise processes, stakeholder management, and solution design, and opens pathways into roles such as Solution or Business Architect, or product-focused roles in the future.

What inspired you to pursue this career?

I approach complex problems through a lens that values multiple perspectives and direct engagement with real-world operations. To apply this way of thinking, it is essential to step beyond abstraction and into production environments where constraints, trade-offs, and consequences are visible. For someone early in their career, opportunities that offer both breadth of perspective and depth of exposure are limited. The rotational structure of Silver Fern Farms’ graduate programme provided that opportunity.

My first year at Silver Fern Farms was in the Fifth Quarter team, where I was struck by the number of interconnected value streams within the red meat industry. I became aware of operational risks arising from resource constraints and environmental compliance requirements and learned that risk can represent both threat and opportunity. I saw how a single invoice scraping tool could reduce workload by more than 90%, while, at the same time, how overstocked animal by-products — such as lamb skins that could neither be sold nor landfilled — could jeopardise an entire regional operation. These experiences demonstrated how people, processes, and tools must work together to create sustainable value.

In my second year, rotating through Risk and Sustainability strengthened my understanding of corporate risk management, including how risks are identified, recorded, reported, and treated. I also supported insurance claim and recovery activities following Cyclone Gabrielle, reinforcing the importance of data, coordination, and governance. This period coincided with the emergence of large language models, highlighting how technological change can reshape how organisations operate.

In my third year, during my rotation with the Transformation and Technology team I had the opportunity to witness and participate in the design of the Core Modernisation programme. Observing how risks were prioritised, how technology initiatives were aligned with strategy, and how system efficiency influences organisational outcomes clarified my interest in transformation work. In a period defined by rapid technological change, I hope to contribute by supporting organisations as they navigate and execute meaningful transformation.

How did the Graduate Career Programme prepare you for your career?

The Graduate Career Programme prepared me by developing my ability to approach complex problems in real operating environments. Through structured rotations, I built capability in analyzing end-to-end processes, understanding enterprise risk, and working across people, processes, and systems. Exposure to operational teams, risk and sustainability functions, and a large-scale transformation programme allowed me to see how strategic decisions translate into practical outcomes. Being involved in real initiatives — rather than simulated work — strengthened my judgement, communication, and adaptability, and gave me a solid foundation for contributing to transformation-focused roles early in my career.

What's the coolest thing about your job?

The coolest thing about my job is being able to work at the intersection of strategy, systems, and real-world operations. I enjoy seeing how decisions made on paper translate into tangible outcomes across sites, teams, and processes. What gets me up in the morning is knowing that small improvements — a clearer process, better data, or a smarter system design — can have outsized impact. Even when the work is challenging, moments where complexity become clearer and teams align around a solution reassure me that I’m on the right path.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about applying for our Graduate Career Programme?

Always choose width of exposure over short-term certainty in early career.

Three-year graduate programmes are rare because they are costly for organisations — they require sustained commitment, patience, and the willingness to develop people before value is fully realized. That is also what makes them powerful. The time and exposure allow you to build strong foundations, understand how you work, and see how a modern enterprise functions. Doing this within an iconic brand and industry in New Zealand makes the learning even more meaningful.

What‘s your role at Silver Fern Farms?

I am a Sustainability Advisor at Silver Fern Farms, working across projects that support our journey to becoming a trusted Nature Positive producer. Much of my role is about being a connector. After three years working across Sustainability, Livestock and Agribusiness, and Operations, I’ve developed a strong understanding of how core teams operate and how their work intersects. This broad perspective helps me link people, processes, and priorities so we can deliver meaningful sustainability outcomes.

Our Sustainability team works cross‑functionally, which brings a lot of variety to my day. I might be supporting sales and customer activations one moment, then advising on how to optimise business processes to meet the needs of different stakeholders the next. I enjoy being able to translate sustainability concepts into practical actions that fit the reality of how the business runs.

The value I bring is my ability to navigate across teams, understand their drivers, and help them embed sustainability into their work in a way that feels achievable and relevant. I also bring curiosity and a systems perspective, which helps uncover opportunities and connect dots that others may not see – I never hold back from asking questions to further my understanding, or support in developing ideas further.

This role opens up huge opportunities for me. I’m constantly learning, whether it’s deepening my understanding of sustainability methodologies or building capability in change management, customer engagement, and operational processes. Having exposure to so many interconnected areas of the business keeps me engaged, growing, and excited to come to work each day.

What other rotations have you completed and what did you enjoy about them?

Across my rotations in Sustainability, Livestock and Agribusiness, and Operations, I’ve gained a broad understanding of how key parts of Silver Fern Farms work and connect. Each rotation has given me hands‑on experience, meaningful relationships, and a clearer sense of where I can create impact.

In Sustainability, I trained teams on why sustainability matters and how to apply sustainable thinking in their day‑to‑day roles. I contributed to sustainability reporting and supported the data capture and building of our Nature Positive Programme. I enjoyed translating complex sustainability requirements into practical actions and building strong relationships across the business

In Livestock and Agribusiness, I worked closely with farmers and field teams, deepening my understanding of the value chain and the importance of transparent, trusted relationships. Managing supplier farm assurance and supporting audit processes for global customers strengthened both my technical skills and my confidence engaging with stakeholders.

Within Operations, I supported the capability uplift of frontline leaders to help them deliver operational excellence. I also managed a network of on‑site container shops, ensuring our people and farmer suppliers had access to Silver Fern Farms products which meant developing new technical skills, and a strong relationship with our Sales team. This rotation helped me appreciate the fast‑paced, people‑centred nature of our operational sites.

Through all these experiences, I’ve developed confidence, strong data‑handling skills, and a network that spans nearly every part of the business. Being able to identify the right people to connect with has become one of my biggest strengths, and each rotation has shaped my development into a more capable, informed, and connected advisor.

Why did you decide the Graduate Career Programme was the right choice to begin your career?

I’ve always wanted to work where sustainability and agriculture meet, and Silver Fern Farms sits perfectly in that space, so it felt like a natural fit. I didn’t originally see myself in a graduate programme, but once I realised it was an opportunity to become a well‑connected generalist and learn across the business, it made complete sense. The variety of work and the chance to learn something new every day really appealed to my curiosity. Choosing the Graduate Career Programme gave me the broad exposure and growth I was looking for to start my career strong.

What's the coolest thing about being on the programme?

The coolest part of the programme has been the experiences that let me truly understand our business and connect with people. A standout was spending a full week at one of our processing sites. Everyone was so open to my questions and helping me understand their day‑to‑day jobs. Seeing the dedication and hard work that happens on site - the work that ultimately enables me to do my job well - reminded me how important it is to stay connected to our operations. Another highlight was helping tell our farmers’ stories through a video series for global customers. I love connecting with people, and getting to do that while being out in nature, talking about sustainability, and celebrating our farmers’ hard work makes me so happy.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about applying for our Graduate Career Programme?

I’d say: keep an open mind and don’t limit yourself to what you studied, there is so much out there that will push you and excite you if you give it the chance. So many people already well into their careers would love even six months to step into something completely new, with the rare freedom to simply learn. That’s what the Graduate Career Programme offers. An opportunity like this may not come again, so put your best foot forward and be ready to be a human sponge, soak up every piece of information, every experience, and every connection you can.

What‘s your role at Silver Fern Farms?

I work in the role of Sales & Supply Chain Support (5th Quarter), where I provide transactional support across sales and supply chain functions to ensure products move efficiently from production planning through to delivery. My responsibilities include liaising with sales, internal cross‑functional teams, and external customers to resolve supply chain issues and support continuous improvement of internal processes. I add value to my team through strong attention to detail, proactive thinking, and confident decision‑making, while maintaining an open mindset and a willingness to explore new and improved ways of working. This role has provided valuable exposure to end‑to‑end business operations and opens up future opportunities in supply chain planning, sales operations, and broader commercial or analytical roles within the organisation.

What inspired you to pursue this career?

I entered my current full-time role within the Sales & Supply Chain Support (5th Quarter) team after completing a one-year graduate rotation during my second year in the programme. During my time in the team, I discovered a strong interest and passion for supply chain. Growing up, my father worked in supply chain for a large New Zealand company, and seeing his long-term passion for the role influenced my own interest when this opportunity arose. The role has given valuable exposure to core business processes, allowing me to gain full oversight and collaborate across multiple departments.

Every organisation has a supply chain of some form, and developing a strong understanding of its fundamental processes, alongside learning new ways of transacting, is highly transferable and valuable for future opportunities. This role has given me a new perspective on what processes are required to maintain a robust and effective supply chain, whilst building strong foundational knowledge that I can carry forward into the next stages of my career.

How did the Graduate Career Programme prepare you for your career?

Through the programme, I developed strong communication and stakeholder management skills by working closely with a wide range of internal teams and external customers. I learned how to adapt my approach depending on my audience and the context of each interaction.

The programme also encouraged independence, accountability, and adaptability as I transitioned from university into the workplace, which has given me the confidence in my current role to navigate new systems, processes, and ways of working. Experiencing such a diverse range of teams and people has reinforced the open‑minded way of thinking that is strongly encouraged at Silver Fern Farms.

What's the coolest thing about your job?

My role brings new challenges every day. There have been many wins, but also many setbacks, and that is what keeps me showing up. The setbacks are what motivate me to keep learning and working towards improving our processes. I value how open and supportive my team is, we collaborate closely to deliver a better experience for our customers. There is a strong sense of fulfilment in working together to create solutions and making small, continuous improvements that lead to meaningful progress.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about applying for our Graduate Career Programme?

Give it a go! The people you meet and the skills you develop throughout the interview process are incredibly valuable. Even if you feel like you don’t have the “right” degree, everyone brings a unique set of skills and strengths to the table.