Production Line Lead

About the role

We’re looking for a driven and hands-on Production Line Lead to join our team at the D3 plant. This is a key leadership role, responsible for overseeing a team of skilled operators and shift leaders across multiple shifts. You’ll play a crucial part in ensuring the safe, efficient, and high-quality operation of our production lines while driving continuous improvement and business performance.

As the Production Line Lead, you will:

• Be accountable for delivering consistent product quality.
• Drive production efficiency and foster a culture of excellence.
• Meet yield, cost, and quality targets while ensuring a safe work environment for your team.
• Role model and drive our desired plant culture.
• Develop and grow the capability of your team.
• Take a hands-on approach by actively engaging on the production line.
• Provide on-call support for the plant when required.

Skills And Experience

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and attributes:

• Proven experience in leading, developing, and engaging high-performing teams.
• A strong track record of achieving operational targets and driving efficiency.
• At least 5 years’ experience in a dairy manufacturing or food/beverage production environment.
• In-depth knowledge of GMP, HACCP, and food safety regulations.
• Experience in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across departments.
• Ability to lead change and support business transformation initiatives.

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 Corp TM 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.