Cheese Plant Quality Controller

About Open Country Dairy

Open Country Dairy stands as New Zealand's largest independent dairy manufacturer, delivering a broad array of dairy ingredients and products worldwide. Established in 2004, the company has earned a respected reputation rooted in quality, operational excellence, and innovation, supported by modern manufacturing facilities and a dedicated workforce.

Role Overview

We require a hands-on, quality-driven Cheese Plant Quality Controller to join our Waharoa facility. Reporting to the Cheese and Butter Plant Manager, this role involves overseeing quality control actions throughout Liquids processing and Cheese & Butter production lines to ensure compliance with quality, safety, hygiene, and environmental standards.

This role is permanent, full-time with 12.25-hour rotating shifts following a pattern of two day shifts, two night shifts, then four days off.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform pre-start and ongoing inspections and sampling at multiple processing areas.
• Monitor quality metrics and critical control points, including checks during milk reception.
• Coordinate collection and dispatch of product samples to external testing laboratories promptly.
• Support compliance with plant hygiene, GMP, and operational procedures.
• Take part in plant audits and surveillance activities.
• Compile quality data, generate reports, and alert management to any out-of-specification results.

Qualifications and Experience

• Possession of NCEA Level 3, School Certificate, Sixth Form Certificate, or similar secondary/vocational certification.
• Completion of Core Dairy Level 3 Certificate unit standards.
• Experience managing processes or system administration and liaising with suppliers.
• Advanced computer skills, plus strong verbal and written communication abilities.
• High standards for personal hygiene, appearance, and meticulous attention to detail.
• Effective time management skills and confidence in enforcing quality and hygiene protocols within a production environment.
• Commitment to health and safety practices and required physical fitness for the role.
• Experience within the dairy industry or food manufacturing sectors.
• Diploma in Cheese Technology or equivalent qualification is desirable.
• Knowledge of dairy processing techniques, aseptic sampling methods, auditing, or HACCP.

Additional Information

Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate strong safety awareness and the ability to work efficiently in a high-paced manufacturing atmosphere while upholding high quality standards.

Application

If you meet the profile and are dedicated to safety and quality, please submit your curriculum vitae along with a concise cover letter detailing your applicable experience.