About

• About the role
• We’re looking for an experienced and dynamic Plant Manager to lead our Dairy Liquid Processing (DLP) Plant. You will lead a 24/7 liquid dairy processing operation, manufacturing high-quality liquid dairy products to the highest safety and quality standards.
• This is a senior leadership opportunity where you’ll play a critical role in driving Synlait’s manufacturing strategy and operational performance. You will hold end-to-end accountability for safety, quality, cost, and delivery, while leading a large and diverse team to achieve operational excellence and embed a culture of continuous improvement.
• You will bring strong people leadership capability, sound commercial judgement, technical know how and a passion for driving performance through engaged teams and world-class manufacturing practices through Integrated Work Systems (IWS).
• Key responsibilities of this role include..
• Lead and oversee daily liquid processing operations, ensuring strict adherence to quality, food safety, and health & safety standards.
• Hold full financial, operational, and performance accountability for the DLP Liquids plant.
• Drive efficiency and a culture of excellence while achieving product yield, cost, quality, and safety targets.
• Oversee maintenance and reliability of liquid processing assets, including pasteurisation, separation, evaporation, and associated utilities.
• Develop and deliver against the Plant Master Plan.
• Proactively lead, develop, and manage manufacturing teams, with a strong focus on building a high-performing and highly engaged workforce.
• Manage, monitor, and deliver key value drivers for the business unit.
• Improve profitability and asset performance through operational discipline and continuous improvement.
• Lead and embed continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, improve productivity, and enhance operational capability.
• Champion Integrated Work Systems (IWS) and standardised ways of working across the plant.
• About you
• You’re an experienced manufacturing leader with a strong background in liquid dairy or food processing environments, and you thrive in complex, 24/7 operations. You bring a balance of strong people leadership and commercial acumen, with the ability to drive performance through engaged, high-performing teams.
• Ideally you will have 10 years' experience in liquid dairy processing or food manufacturing within a medium to large organisation.
• 5+ years’ experience leading and developing high-performing teams in a manufacturing setting.
• Strong technical understanding of liquid processing operations and equipment.
• Demonstrated experience leading 24/7 operations in a complex manufacturing environment.
• A track record of accelerating IWS / Lean / continuous improvement execution.
• Proven success in exceeding performance targets and driving improvements in operational efficiency.
• Experience implementing strategies that deliver cost savings, productivity gains, and streamlined workflows.
• Strong knowledge of food safety systems, HACCP, and regulatory compliance, with a commitment to maintaining the highest standards.
• 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 insurance cover & partnered with top brands for great benefits and discounts
• Excellent parental leave with our Matua policy
• B CorpTM certified
• Social Club membership 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.
• Please note our office will be closed from Tuesday 23rd December and we will be returning Monday 5th January 2026. During this period, we may take longer than usual to come back to you on your application. Once our team is back on board we will be in contact. We wish you a safe and happy holiday season!
• #LI-KT1