Process Lead

Role overview

This opportunity is for a technically capable Process Lead to join the Dryer team in Dunsandel, Canterbury. The position plays a central role in keeping evaporator, dryer, and packing operations steady, efficient, and capable of consistently producing high-quality output. It is well suited to someone who prefers being close to the plant, enjoys working through dairy processing details, and can influence results through technical know-how and practical leadership.

The role sits at the point where operations, quality, and continuous improvement meet. You will provide hands-on technical direction, work through complex processing issues, and help teams strengthen their capability so performance remains consistent.

Key duties

• Provide technical direction to support stable and efficient plant performance.
• Improve process control, steadiness, and optimisation across the site.
• Lead troubleshooting activities and structured root cause analysis, including UPS work.
• Coach operational teams and help build stronger technical capability.
• Drive and sustain change initiatives that improve reliability, quality, and compliance.
• Maintain strong operating standards, documentation, and regulatory compliance.
• Support performance improvements across safety, quality, reliability, cost, and engagement.
• Lead continuous improvement activity and RTT practices such as DDS, CL, CIL, and defect handling.
• Work with other functions to support new processes and business growth.

What you need

You should be a proactive, analytical problem solver who performs well in a busy manufacturing setting. This role calls for someone who likes working in the details, understands how process steps affect one another, and is comfortable improving performance alongside frontline teams.

• At least 5 years’ experience in manufacturing, ideally in dairy or food production, across quality, projects, or operations.
• Strong technical understanding of dairy processing and manufacturing systems.
• Experience with dryer processing, including troubleshooting and tuning dryer performance.
• Experience in regulated environments such as RMP or similar frameworks.
• Strong structured problem-solving ability, including RCA-style methods.
• The ability to juggle priorities and deliver under pressure.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Good organisational ability and commercial awareness.
• A qualification in engineering, food technology, or a related field is preferred.

About the organisation

Synlait is a purpose-led company focused on doing milk differently for a healthier world. The team is grounded, collaborative, and driven by three core values: being curious and looking for smarter ways to add value, working together with respect and trust, and taking accountability to focus on what matters most. The business combines expert farming with advanced processing to deliver high-quality nutritional products around the world.

What’s offered

• Health insurance cover plus access to partner-brand benefits and discounts.
• Enhanced parental leave through the Matua policy.
• B Corp certified workplace.
• Opportunities to join the Social Club.

Application notes

Applicants should submit a current CV and a cover letter explaining their background and the contribution they can make. Applications may be reviewed as they come in, and the listing may close before the stated end date. Candidates applying from outside New Zealand will only be considered if they already have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

The employer encourages early applications and is committed to building an inclusive workplace where different perspectives support innovation and success.

Additional information

This role is based in Dunsandel, Canterbury, New Zealand. It is a full-time position and requires onsite work in the dryer environment.