Product Development Lead at Synlait External Careers Site

Dunsandel, Canterbury, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

08 Apr, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

08 Jan, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Product Development, Infant Nutrition, SAMR Registration, Mandarin Proficiency, Stakeholder Management, Attention to Detail, Problem Solving, Leadership, Collaboration, Technical Expertise, Scientific Mindset, Regulatory Compliance, Project Management, Quality Assurance, Fast-Paced Environment, Creativity

Industry

Food and Beverage Manufacturing

Description

About the role We have an exciting opportunity for a Product Development Lead to join our team at Synlait. This role is a key position responsible for driving our SAMR renewal of infant formula product registration for the Chinese market. You will be fluent in Mandarin as you will be regularly engaging with Chinese-speaking stakeholders and working with SAMR-related documentation and regulatory requirements. Key responsibilities of this role include.. Lead the new product development framework and implementation required for SAMR registration and audits of infant formulas produced for China markets. Ensure NPD projects for SAMR registration align with Synlait’s processes and pipeline. Lead technical deliverables including specifications, reports, project brochures, and shelf-life studies. Collaborate closely with internal teams—Regulatory, Quality, Manufacturing, Commercial, and Project Management—to ensure successful registration and commercialization. Manage other specialised NPD projects as assigned, post-SAMR registration completion. Set clear planning and processes for NPD deliverables, supporting a high-performing and engaged team. About you You’ll be technically strong with deep expertise in infant nutrition and SAMR registration. You bring a sharp eye for detail, a strong scientific mindset, and the confidence to lead complex regulatory-driven projects from concept through to commercialisation. You have experience delivering complex regulatory-driven projects from concept through to commercialisation. You’re comfortable working across cultures and stakeholders, communicate clearly in Mandarin and English, and thrive in fast-paced, high-accountability environments. With a collaborative working style, you contribute positively to team outcomes while maintaining a strong focus on quality, compliance, and delivery. Skills and Experience The ideal candidate will have the following skills and attributes: Minimum 10 years’ experience in infant nutrition or dairy product development. Must have experience with SAMR audits and registration. Mandarin language proficiency – essential. Masters or PhD in Nutritional Science, Food Technology, or related discipline. Proven experience leading technical frameworks and value propositions of nutritional products. Strong stakeholder management skills with internal and external teams. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Excellent leadership, influencing, and collaboration skills. Ability to think creatively and apply technical expertise with scientific rigor. 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

Lead the new product development framework for SAMR registration and audits of infant formulas for the Chinese market. Collaborate with internal teams to ensure successful registration and commercialization of products.