Operations Transformation Manager

About the role

We're looking for an Operations Transformation Manager to join Synlait in a pivotal senior leadership role, shaping how we operate and driving meaningful, lasting business change.

As we look to simplify our processes, improve efficiency and unlock greater business capacity, you'll lead initiatives that challenge existing ways of working and create smarter, more effective ways to operate.

Working closely with our Chief Operating Officer and senior leaders across the business, you'll connect strategic priorities with practical execution, identify opportunities and turn them into measurable business improvements.

What you’ll be doing?

You'll lead business-wide transformation initiatives, looking across our operations to identify opportunities, challenge complexity and deliver improvements that make a tangible difference.

Some of your key responsibilities will include:

• Identify opportunities to simplify processes, remove inefficiencies and improve operational performance and capacity.
• Develop and deliver cross-functional improvement initiatives, translating strategic priorities into practical outcomes.
• Challenge existing ways of working and influence leaders to adopt smarter, more effective approaches.
• Identify opportunities to leverage technology, automation and digital integration to improve how we operate.
• Translate opportunities into clear plans, drive implementation and ensure improvements deliver sustainable business value.
• Build capability and embed a culture of simplification, accountability and ongoing improvement across our operations.
• 10+ years' experience across operations, manufacturing, supply chain, engineering or operational excellence, ideally within dairy or FMCG and food manufacturing environments.
• A bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business or a related discipline.
• Significant experience leading business transformation, operational improvement and large-scale change programmes.
• Proven experience delivering multi-site transformation programmes within complex operational environments.
• Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to identify opportunities and deliver measurable business benefits.
• A systems-thinking mindset, with the ability to simplify processes, improve integration and leverage technology and automation.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the confidence to challenge thinking and bring people along through change.
• The ability to translate complex challenges into clear priorities, structured plans and practical solutions.

What will you bring?

We're looking for a commercially minded and strategic leader with a strong track record of delivering business transformation. You'll be comfortable navigating complexity, connecting the dots across multiple functions and influencing senior leaders to turn opportunities into tangible results.

Ideally, you'll bring:

• 10+ years' experience across operations, manufacturing, supply chain, engineering or operational excellence, ideally within dairy or FMCG and food manufacturing environments.
• A bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business or a related discipline.
• Significant experience leading business transformation, operational improvement and large-scale change programmes.
• Proven experience delivering multi-site transformation programmes within complex operational environments.
• Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to identify opportunities and deliver measurable business benefits.
• A systems-thinking mindset, with the ability to simplify processes, improve integration and leverage technology and automation.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the confidence to challenge thinking and bring people along through change.
• The ability to translate complex challenges into clear priorities, structured plans and practical solutions.

Why join Synlait?

This isn't a role where you'll simply be maintaining existing processes. You'll have the opportunity to help shape what our business looks like for the future. If you're someone who enjoys untangling complexity, connecting the dots and turning big ideas into meaningful change, this is your opportunity to make an impact.

Ready to make a difference? 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.