Process Lead at Synlait External Careers Site

Dunsandel, Canterbury, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

13 Jul, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

14 Apr, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Process optimization, Technical leadership, Troubleshooting, Root cause analysis, Quality assurance, Continuous improvement, Regulatory compliance, Operational standards, Team coaching, Change management, Systems thinking, Performance reporting, Maintenance coordination, Manufacturing, Dairy production, Food technology

Industry

Food and Beverage Manufacturing

Description

About the role We have an exciting opportunity for a technically strong and people-focused Process Lead to join our team. This role is critical in driving stable, predictable and efficient lactose plant operations, while lifting capability across our teams. You’ll sit at the intersection of operations, quality and continuous improvement, providing hands-on technical leadership, solving complex problems, and enabling our teams to deliver consistent, high-quality results. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys being close to the plant, influencing outcomes, and leading change. Key responsibilities of this role include.. * Providing technical leadership to ensure stable and efficient lactose plant operations * Driving process stability, optimisation and control across the plant * Leading troubleshooting and structured problem solving (RCA, UPS) * Supporting delivery of DIFOTIS (Delivered In Full, On Time, In Spec) * Coaching and developing operational teams to build technical capability * Leading and embedding change initiatives to lift quality and compliance standards * Managing audit readiness and closing out non-conformances and quality events * Ensuring robust operational standards, documentation and regulatory compliance * Driving operational performance across safety, quality, reliability, cost and engagement * Leading continuous improvement initiatives and RTT processes (DDS, SIE, CIL, Defect Handling) * Partnering cross-functionally to support new processes and organisational growth * Acting as a key interface with QA, ensuring strong collaboration and audit readiness * Supporting planning activities including performance reporting and maintenance coordination About you You’re a technically capable and proactive problem solver who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You enjoy working alongside operational teams and are confident influencing outcomes through both expertise and relationships. You may bring: * Experience in manufacturing (ideally 5+ years), preferably within dairy or food production across quality, projects or operations * Strong process understanding and systems thinking * Experience working within regulated environments (e.g. RMP or similar) * Demonstrated ability to lead, coach and influence others * Strong problem-solving capability with structured methodologies (e.g. RCA) * The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver under pressure * Excellent communication and relationship-building skills * Sound organisational skills and commercial awareness * A qualification in engineering, food technology or a related discipline is desirable. 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. #LI-KT1

Responsibilities

The Process Lead is responsible for driving stable and efficient lactose plant operations through technical leadership and process optimization. They will also coach operational teams, manage audit readiness, and lead continuous improvement initiatives to ensure high-quality results.