Senior Process Operator

About the role

We're on the lookout for Senior Process Operators to join us in our AMF & Specialty Milk Dryer (SMD), Lactoferrin and Colostrum plant. You will operate our highly automated machinery to transform milk and ingredients into value-added products. You will be accountable for delivering production processing requirements as well as undertaking plant and process problem solving, cleaning, plant walks and inspections. 

We have opportunities in AMF & Specialty Milk Dryer (SMD), Lactoferrin and Colostrum plant:

• The role in AMF will work within a small team operating the equipment efficiently to turn cream into AMF, ensuring consistent and high-quality product.
• The role in SMD (Specialty Milk Dryer – Lactoferrin & Colostrum) will support manufacturing of infant formula grade Lactoferrin powder through multiple wet processes and ultimately through our Dryer.

If you've worked in food or dairy manufacturing before and know what it takes to keep production lines running safely, smoothly, and efficiently—we want to hear from you.

What you'll do

Our shifts allow for plenty of flexibility and work life balance with 4 days off between shifts.  Based on a rotational roster, you will be on the shift pattern below: 2 days, 2 nights, 4 days off (12.5 hour shifts)

The main responsibilities of this role include..

• Operation of critical manufacturing equipment within designed running parameters

• Ensuring all our products are manufactured in-spec and right first time

• Keeping the manufacturing environment to a high quality standard 

• Follow Synlait's Quality and Safety Principles

• Keep to good documentation practices 

• Able to investigate Production, safety and quality issues to root cause

• An understanding of IWS principles

• Good time management and able to work in a fast-paced environment

• Good communication skills, motivated and a willingness to learn

What you'll bring 
The ideal candidate will have prior experience in the dairy or food manufacturing industry as a Senior Process Operator. However, if you don't have this background, we still encourage you to apply 

This role is also well suited to individuals with a strong mechanical aptitude, a trades background, or a degree in science, engineering, or a related discipline who are keen to apply their skills in a manufacturing environment.

• Mechanical aptitude to understand and operate our equipment 

• Ideally you will have well developed problem solving and fault-finding experience with a minimum of 2 years in the dairy, food or other relevant manufacturing industry

• Thorough with good attention to detail 

• Self-motivated and proactive 

• There will be some lifting required of up to 25 Kg 

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of processes 

• A NZ Diploma in Dairy Processing is highly regarded in this role

About us – The Synlait Spirit 

Synlait is more than a global leader in milk nutrition – we're a purpose-led team that's Doing Milk Differently For A Healthier World. Our Synlait Spirit guides everything we do, from how we show up each day to the impact we create together. You'll be joining an authentic, down-to-earth team that lives the three values that underpin the Synlait Spirit. 

Be The Difference means we understand before we act – that means asking why, supporting each other to think differently, stay curious, and continuously look for smarter ways to deliver value. Whether it's in the paddock, the plant or the boardroom, we're driven by impact and inspired to make a meaningful difference every day. 

We Move as One by working together with respect, trust and a shared commitment to doing what's right. We collaborate across teams to deliver innovative solutions and create opportunity for those around us. 

We feed the world's most vulnerable, including newborn babies, so we have to be Right on the Mark. That means we take accountability seriously, act with courage and focus our energy on what matters most. We combine expert farming and state of the art processing to deliver high quality nutritional products to all over the world. 

At Synlait you'll be challenged and supported to grow. We know everyone brings something unique to the table so we're an inclusive workplace, where diverse perspectives fuel innovation and success. 

What we offer:

• Health insurance cover & partnered with top brands for great benefits and discounts

• Excellent parental leave with our Matua policy

• B CorpTM certified 

• Social Club membership opportunities 

What's next? Apply now

Include your most recent CV and cover letter summarising your abilities and what you can bring to Synlait. We wish you the best of luck in your application. We encourage you to apply early as we will be reviewing applications regularly and may close the advertisement early. If you don't progress with us for this role, please know that we will keep your details on file and consider you for future opportunities that match your skills and experience. 

Together we will continue to create a workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute their best.

Applicants outside of New Zealand will only be considered if you have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand.   

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