Process Manager / Senior Process Manager

Role overview

This position sits within the Operations function in Tokoroa, New Zealand, and reports directly to the Site Manager. The role is responsible for overseeing and supporting the full processing operation on site so that production goals, quality expectations, safety requirements, and environmental commitments are consistently achieved.

It is a key technical leadership position for the New Zealand dairy value-added program and serves as the main technical point of contact for Tier 1 customers. The role places strong emphasis on improving processes, strengthening equipment performance, building team capability, and delivering manufacturing KPIs in alignment with the wider business strategy.

About the business

The organisation is a global supplier of premium food and beverage ingredients, working closely with farming communities to source, grow, and produce ingredients that support consumers, farmers, and the environment. Its portfolio includes cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts, and spices, supplied to major food brands and manufacturers around the world. These ingredients are produced through a mix of owned farms and estates and a broad sourcing network spanning around 50 countries.

The business combines manufacturing scale with innovation capability to support a wide range of products, from plant-based beverages to snack bars and dairy-free desserts. Its purpose is centred on creating positive impact for people and the planet and contributing to a healthier future through responsible food production.

Dairy operations

The dairy business supports customers worldwide through supply chain expertise and local operational capabilities across 25 countries on 6 continents. The network is supported by an estimated 300,000 cows producing the milk used in ingredients, with sourcing relationships across North America, South America, Europe, and Oceania.

The company’s first dairy production site is located in Johor, where filled milk powder and blended dairy ingredients are produced. That facility also acts as a centre for dairy innovation, developing tailored solutions for fast-growing markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

The Tokoroa site is the company’s second dairy production facility and is located near a large concentration of quality dairy farms in the Waikato region, which is at the heart of New Zealand’s dairy industry. The site works with more than 100 dairy farmers who supply raw milk. The business also highlights sustainability-focused initiatives such as a biomass boiler and animal feed developed with almond by-product for dairy cows in New Zealand.

What you will do

• Create and roll out critical process recipes that define the target product performance and functional outcomes.
• Lead and recommend capital initiatives and process changes, including SOP updates, to improve throughput, yield, product timing, and overall quality while maintaining agility in product mix.
• Build and maintain process signatures and control methods that consistently deliver the product functionality expected by customers.
• Serve as the operational voice of the customer by translating customer requirements into effective on-site execution.
• Share proven operational practices across the wider manufacturing network whenever opportunities arise.
• Develop productive working relationships with the global product innovation team.
• Lead product trials and commercialisation activities.
• Participate in customer onboarding and product qualification processes.
• Own the operations relationship with key strategic customers across the full value chain.
• Ensure the production plan provided by the Supply Chain team is executed effectively.
• Work with HR to create and support training programmes.
• Keep existing SOPs up to date through regular reviews directed by the Site Manager.
• Prepare new SOPs when required, especially during growth periods.

What the role requires

• A tertiary qualification in Engineering, Food Technology, Science, or a closely related discipline is preferred.
• At least 10 years of experience in manufacturing or processing leadership.
• At least 5 years of experience in Milk Protein Concentrates (MPC) production.
• Hands-on experience improving processes through membrane and advanced filtration technologies.
• Demonstrated leadership ability with a track record of building capability and engaging teams.
• Strong knowledge of food processing operations and quality systems.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Solid understanding of safety management systems relevant to the role, with a commitment to safe work practices and prompt escalation of hazards or issues.
• Experience using SAP or another ERP platform.
• Prior dairy industry exposure is strongly preferred.
• Project management experience would be an advantage.
• Willingness and ability to be based at the Tokoroa plant in New Zealand.

Equal opportunity notice

The employer is committed to equal opportunity and values diversity. All qualified candidates will be considered without discrimination based on race, ethnic origin, colour, age, religion or belief, sex, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.

Application note

Candidates must complete every required step in the application process, including submitting a resume or CV, to be considered for the role.