About the role

We’re looking for a proven operational leader to take ownership as a Plant Manager of one of the most technically complex and business-critical areas on site, our infant formula Dryer 3 operations.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for someone who knows what high-performing dryer plants look like and has the experience to lead people, plant performance and continuous improvement in a demanding 24/7 environment.

You’ll have the chance to:

• Shape operational direction as part of the site leadership team

• Lead one of our three high-profile drying operations, a critical function at the centre of manufacturing performance

• Drive improvements in reliability, efficiency, capability and culture

• Grow your leadership experience in a large, complex environment with clear pathways for progression

What you’ll be responsible for

• Leading day-to-day dryer operations across a large-scale manufacturing environment

• Driving operational performance across safety, quality, cost, reliability and output

• Optimising dryer efficiency, throughput, yield and product quality

• Developing leadership capability and building a high-performing operations culture

• Supporting and embedding Lean Manufacturing, IWS and continuous improvement practices

• Ensuring food safety and regulatory standards are maintained at all times

• Working collaboratively with engineering and maintenance teams to maximise uptime and plant reliability

• Identifying opportunities for process optimisation, waste reduction and cost improvement

• Contributing to broader site strategy and operational planning as part of the leadership team

About you

You’ll be an experienced manufacturing leader with strong technical expertise in dryer operations and a track record of leading large teams in complex processing environments.

We’re looking for:

• Ideally 10 years’ experience in dairy, including experience in infant formula, spray drying or powder manufacturing operations
• 5 years experience leading a team within a 24/7 dairy or food manufacturing environment
• Proven capability delivering operational improvements and performance outcomes
• Experience driving Lean, continuous improvement or IWS initiatives preferred
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to coach, influence and develop teams
• A proactive and hands-on leadership style with strong commercial awareness
Deep understanding of food safety, HACCP and quality systems

This is an opportunity to join a business where manufacturing excellence genuinely matters. You’ll step into a visible leadership role with the ability to influence outcomes, shape culture and make a measurable impact on plant performance.

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.

• Health insurance cover & partnered with top brands for great benefits and discounts
• Excellent parental leave with our Matua policy
• B Corp TM certified
• Social Club membership opportunities

What's next?

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.

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