Dryer Operations Trainer

About the role

We're looking for a Dryer Operations Trainer to strengthen capability within our manufacturing team and ensure consistent, high-quality operation of our dryers and evaporators. This is a fantastic opportunity to shape how learning happens on the floor and to directly influence safety, performance, and continuous improvement at Synlait.

This hands-on role is key to ensuring our dryer operators have the skills, knowledge and support they need to safely and effectively run our plant every day. You'll deliver structured, high quality on-the-job training, guiding operators through learning plans and helping them develop the problem-solving skills to identify and address issues at the source.

When required, you'll also regularly step in to operate the plant, providing coverage for leave and supporting operational stability.

Key responsibilities of this role include..

• Provide on-the-plant training on spray drying, evaporating and general process engineering.
• Uplift operator capability and maintain accurate training records that can easily be referenced.
• Support both new and experienced operators, helping them grow their confidence and technical understanding such that they can effectively troubleshoot and problem-solve their plant.
• Deliver hands-on coaching, structured learning plans, and real-time feedback.
• Operate the spray dryer and evaporator when required to cover annual or sick leave, ensuring ongoing plant performance and stability.

About you

You'll be an experienced dryer operator who takes pride in your craft and in helping others succeed. You'll bring a deep understanding of process operations and the communication skills to teach and inspire others.

You'll have:

• 5+ years' experience operating spray dryers
• Experience training, coaching, or leading operators
• Strong process engineering and problem-solving ability
• The confidence to explain complex processes in a simple, practical way
• A collaborative, coaching approach that builds trust and capability

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.

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.