Senior Process Technician
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 9, 2026. First seen by Alion on Nov 6, 2026.
About the role
We are looking for a Senior Process Operator to join our Dryer 2 Team at our Dunsandel manufacturing plant us on a permanent basis. As part of a small team on shift you will receive full training to operate our Dryer 2 plant as an Evap/Dryer operator to transform milk and ingredients into value-added products.
You will be accountable for delivering production processing requirements as well as performing plant turnarounds, undertaking plant and process problem solving, cleaning, plant walks and inspections.
If you’ve worked in food or dairy manufacturing before and know what it takes to keep production lines running safely, smoothly, and efficiently-we want to hear from you.
Our shifts allow for plenty of flexibility and work life balance with 4 days off between shifts. Based on a rotational roster, you will be on the shift pattern below: 2 days, 2 nights, 4 days off (12.5 hour shifts)
The main responsibilities of this role include..
Operation of critical manufacturing equipment within designed running parameters
Ensuring all our products are manufactured in-spec and right first time
Keeping the manufacturing environment to a high quality standard
Follow Synlait’s Quality and Safety Principles
Keep to good documentation practices
Able to investigate Production, safety and quality issues to root cause
An understanding of IWS principles
Good time management and able to work in a fast-paced environment
Good communication skills, motivated and a willingness to learn
- Strong mechanical aptitude and an interest in understanding how equipment and processes work
- A practical approach to problem-solving and fault finding
- A commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement
- A good level of physical fitness is required to climb stairs daily, perform manual tasks on plant turnarounds, Dryer washes and operator maintenance jobs.
- Ability to understand and learn HMI automation to run the Dryer and Evaporator
About you
The ideal candidate will have prior experience in the dairy or food manufacturing industry as a Process Operator. However, if you don't have this background, we still encourage you to apply!
This role is also well suited to a practical hands-on individual with a mechanical aptitude, or someone from a trades background, engineering, or a related discipline who are keen to apply their skills in a manufacturing environment.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and an interest in understanding how equipment and processes work
- A practical approach to problem-solving and fault finding
- A commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement
- A good level of physical fitness is required to climb stairs daily, perform manual tasks on plant turnarounds, Dryer washes and operator maintenance jobs
- Ability to understand and learn HMI automation to run the Dryer and Evaporator
What we offer:
Work-life balance - Enjoy a rotating roster of 2 days, 2 nights, followed by 4 days off (12.5-hour
Health & wellbeing - Wellbeing One health insurance plus access to exclusive partner discounts
Career growth - A great starting opportunity with ongoing training and development opportunities.
Easy commute - Free bus service to and from Rolleston
Sustainable values - We’re proud to be B Corp™ certified
Community & connection - Join our active Social Club
What's next? Apply now!
Include your most recent CV and cover letter summarising your abilities and what you can bring to Synlait. We encourage you to apply early as we will be reviewing applications regularly and may close the advertisement early. If you don’t progress with us for this role, we will keep your details on file and consider you for future opportunities that match your skills and experience.
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.
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. To ensure your application is received and considered, please apply directly through our careers website. We are unable to accept applications or CVs submitted by email.