Production Line Lead

Position Overview

We are seeking a seasoned Production Line Lead to join our Blending & Canning department at Synlait Milk Limited in Dunsandel, Canterbury, New Zealand. This critical leadership role requires managing a high-performing production team focused on delivering operational excellence, ensuring safety, quality, efficiency, and superior product standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and nurture a team of operators to cultivate a safe, motivated, and high-achieving work culture.
• Drive operational results, emphasizing safety, product quality, productivity, yield, and cost management.
• Advocate continuous improvement utilizing Integrated Work Systems (IWS), daily management practices, and structured problem-solving techniques.
• Ensure product quality and compliance, maintaining audit readiness with adherence to GMP and HACCP protocols.
• Spend significant time on the production floor coaching, building team capability, and reinforcing standard operating procedures.
• Collaborate with Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, and Planning departments to maximize plant efficiency and reduce downtime.
• Provide on-call assistance as needed to support reliable plant functionality.
• Leverage operational metrics and insights to spot opportunities for enhanced efficiency and sustainable business outcomes.

Candidate Profile

• Experienced leadership within dairy, food, beverage, or similarly complex manufacturing sectors.
• Demonstrable success in boosting operational performance through team coaching, engagement, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong business mindset with expertise in productivity, cost control, waste minimization, and operational efficiency.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, IWS, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Six Sigma, or related continuous improvement frameworks.
• In-depth knowledge of GMP, HACCP, and food safety management systems.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with aptitude for sound decision-making under pressure.
• Outstanding communication skills to influence and build effective cross-functional relationships.
• A passion for developing workforce talent and fostering a culture enabling teams to reach their highest potential.

About Synlait

Synlait is a global leader in milk nutrition and operates under a purpose-driven culture, 'Doing Milk Differently For A Healthier World.' The Synlait Spirit encompasses values of curiosity, collaboration, and accountability, creating an inclusive environment that promotes growth and innovation. Our company is dedicated to product excellence and social responsibility, including feeding vulnerable populations worldwide.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage partnered with top-tier brands offering valuable benefits and discounts.
• Robust parental leave policy under our Matua framework.
• B Corporation certified organization.
• Opportunities for involvement in social club memberships.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their latest CV along with a cover letter summarizing their qualifications and contributions they can bring to Synlait. Early application is advised as we review submissions regularly and may close the recruitment process in advance. Candidates must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand.