Lead Process Technician

Role overview

This opportunity is for a Lead Process Technician to join the Dunsandel site in Canterbury, New Zealand. The position focuses on operating the Wetmix Milk Treatment process, including milk intake, separators, pasteurisation, and the standardising line, while also helping guide milk planning for the site.

Working pattern

The roster is designed to support flexibility and work-life balance. You will work a repeating shift cycle of 2 day shifts, 2 night shifts, then 4 days off. Each shift is 12.5 hours long.

Key duties

• Operate key production equipment within approved operating limits.
• Make sure finished products meet specification and are produced correctly the first time.
• Maintain a clean, well-controlled, high-standard manufacturing environment.
• Work within defined procedures and instructions, while coordinating with Line, Process, and Maintenance Leads.
• Adjust or remove process variations when the situation calls for it, based on operational needs and conditions.
• Handle problem solving across the plant and follow through on identified solutions.
• Support maintenance work by issuing permits where required.

Experience and skills needed

The role suits someone with hands-on process operations experience, ideally gained in dairy, FMCG, manufacturing, or another processing environment. You should be comfortable troubleshooting equipment, systems, and production processes, and have the analytical ability to diagnose issues, identify root causes, and put practical improvements in place. Strong communication across shifts and teams is important, along with the ability to coach, guide, and mentor others in a production setting. A proactive approach to safety, quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement is also essential.

About the employer

Synlait is a purpose-driven milk nutrition business focused on creating better outcomes through innovative thinking and modern processing. The company combines farming expertise with advanced technology to produce nutritional milk products for customers around the world. It values diversity, inclusion, and the different experiences people bring to the workplace.

Benefits and culture

• Health insurance coverage plus access to partner brand discounts and benefits.
• Enhanced parental leave through the Matua policy.
• B Corp certified organisation.
• Opportunity to join the social club.

Application notes

Applicants should submit a current CV and a cover letter that explains their strengths and what they can contribute to Synlait. Applications may be reviewed as they come in, and the advertisement may close early if suitable candidates are found. The company encourages early applications.