Process Operators

Grow your manufacturing career with Synlait

Whether you're an experienced Spray Dryer Operator or an operator ready to take the next step, we'd love to hear from you. We have four permanent opportunities available across Senior Process Technician and Process Technician roles where you’ll bring strong operational capability, technical understanding and a passion for problem-solving in a complex manufacturing environment.

If you have spray dryer experience, this is a great opportunity to join a highly skilled team operating some of our most critical processing equipment. 

We also encourage applications from individuals with a strong mechanical aptitude, trades background, or qualifications in science, engineering or computer science who are keen to build their career in manufacturing.

About the role

Based at our Dunsandel manufacturing site in our Dryer 1 plant, you’ll operate and optimise our highly automated Spray Dryer, transforming milk and ingredients into premium nutritional products supplied to customers around the world.

You’ll play a key role in ensuring safe, reliable and efficient production by monitoring process performance, troubleshooting issues and maintaining high standards across safety, quality and operational excellence.

What you’ll be doing

The main responsibilities of this role include..

• Safely operate and monitor critical spray drying and manufacturing equipment within defined operating parameters. 
• Troubleshoot process and equipment issues, identifying root causes and implementing solutions. 
• Complete plant inspections, cleaning activities and operational checks. 
• Monitor production performance and make adjustments to maintain product quality and consistency. 
• Ensure products are manufactured right first time and meet customer requirements. 
• Maintain accurate documentation and follow good manufacturing practices. 
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to a high-performing team culture. 
• Work in line with Synlait’s Quality, Safety and Operational Excellence principles.
• Spray dryer operating experience or experience operating in dairy, food or other manufacturing environments 
• 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 
• The ability to work collaboratively within a team environment 
• A trade qualification or technical background 
• A qualification in science, engineering, computer science or a related discipline 
• Experience working with automated systems, processing equipment or complex manufacturing environments

About you 

This role is well suited to individuals who are mechanically minded and love the satisfaction of making things run better. You enjoy troubleshooting challenges, understanding the “why” behind the process and using your skills to operate our complex dryer and keep production moving.

Ideally, you will bring:

• Spray dryer operating experience or experience operating in dairy, food or other manufacturing environments 
• 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 
• The ability to work collaboratively within a team environment 
• A trade qualification or technical background 
• A qualification in science, engineering, computer science or a related discipline 
• Experience working with automated systems, processing equipment or complex manufacturing environments

You may also bring:

• A trade qualification or technical background 
• A qualification in science, engineering, computer science or a related discipline 
• Experience working with automated systems, processing equipment or complex manufacturing environments

What we offer:

• Work-life balance – enjoy a rotating roster of 2 days, 2 nights, followed by 4 days off (12.5-hour shifts)
• Health & wellbeing – fully covered 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 – bus service to and from Rolleston with onboard Wi-Fi
• Career growth – ongoing development and progression opportunities

What's next? Apply now!

Include your most recent CV 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.  If you don’t hear from us regarding this role, please know that we will keep your details on file and consider you for future opportunities that match your skills and experience.

Together we will continue to create a workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute their best.

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. 

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