Engineering Project Manager

About the role

We’re looking for an Engineering Project Manager to join our capital projects team at our Dunsandel site. This is a great opportunity for an experienced engineer looking to lead capital projects. We would also welcome applications from emerging graduate engineering professionals ready to develop their project management experience.

You’ll be involved in delivering a portfolio of medium-sized (up to $1M) engineering projects, while also supporting senior managers with larger strategic initiatives. From developing project scopes and designs through to budgeting, procurement and implementation, you’ll help bring projects to life safely, efficiently and to a high standard.

Whether you're an experienced engineer or an emerging professional looking to grow your project management skills, this is an opportunity to make an impact and develop your career with us.

What you’ll do:

• Lead and deliver medium-sized capital projects, ensuring they are completed safely, on time and within budget.

• Develop project scopes, technical specifications, designs, budgets and delivery plans.

• Work closely with engineering, maintenance, production and other business teams to understand project requirements and deliver practical solutions.

• Manage contractors, consultants and suppliers throughout the project lifecycle.

• Support procurement, construction, commissioning and project handover activities.

• Prioritise projects to deliver the greatest value, financial return and health and safety improvements.

• Support and collaborate with other project managers and contribute to improving our engineering practices and project delivery processes

What you'll bring

We're keen to hear from engineers at different stages of their careers who are motivated to develop and deliver successful engineering projects.

• Previous project management or dairy manufacturing experience would be an advantage, particularly if you have experience with project budgets, engineering design, procurement or commissioning.

• A degree in Process or Mechanical Engineering or a similar engineering discipline.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships across different teams.

• A practical, solutions-focused approach with good problem-solving skills.

• Strong organisation skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.

• A willingness to learn, take ownership and contribute to a collaborative team environment.

Why join Synlait?

You'll have the opportunity to work on a diverse range of engineering projects that make a real difference to our operations. You'll be part of a high performing collaborative team, gain exposure to complex manufacturing projects and have the opportunity to grow your technical and project management skills.

We offer flexibility to balance your time across our Dunsandel site, Christchurch city office and working from home. If you're looking for a role where you can make an impact and continue developing your engineering career, we'd love to hear from you.

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 & wellbeing - Wellbeing One health insurance plus access to exclusive partner discounts

• Family-friendly support - Industry-leading parental leave through our Matua policy

• Sustainable values - We’re proud to be B Corp™ certified

• Community & connection - Join our active Social Club

• Easy commute - Free bus service to and from Rolleston

• Career growth - Ongoing development and progression 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.