Process Lead - Dryer

About the role

This permanent full-time Process Lead opportunity is based at Danone’s Balclutha site in Greenfield, South Otago, near Dunedin. The role sits within a Line Centric Organisation and works as part of the Line Trio to improve process performance, strengthen team capability, and reduce losses across the line.

Reporting to the Line Lead, you will take accountability for process standards, technical capability uplift, and structured problem-solving. Your focus will be to improve equipment performance, apply Dan-IWS principles, and support long-term manufacturing excellence.

The normal schedule is Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm, with the expectation of flexibility when needed to support a 24/7 manufacturing environment.

Key responsibilities

• Help embed Dan-IWS principles and the agreed ways of working across the line.
• Lead operator capability development by identifying skill gaps and organising targeted training.
• Create and deliver training for changes to processes and equipment.
• Coach Operators, Shift Engineers, and other Line Trio members to build stronger performance.
• Take ownership of centreline management and DDS (Daily Direction Setting) outcomes for the area.
• Build, maintain, and improve data systems that track important process and product measures.
• Use structured problem-solving methods to find, analyse, and remove process losses.
• Support daily performance reviews, communicate results, and escalate resourcing needs when required.
• Develop and standardise daily management practices that support line performance.
• Apply Dan-IWS tools to identify root causes and implement effective countermeasures.
• Manage line settings, recipes, system access, and user permissions.
• Assist with change management and maintain process control approaches.
• Share learnings across lines and sites to encourage re-use of successful improvements.
• Take part in planned shutdowns, RCOs, and other continuous improvement activities.
• Work with Quality teams to investigate incidents and strengthen process controls.
• Train teams on quality risks, procedures, and standards.
• Ensure compliance with Food Safety, HACCP, and ISO 22000 requirements.
• Lead and support iCare initiatives across the plant.
• Promote accountability, continuous improvement, and alignment with Danone values.

About you

You are a hands-on, technically strong leader who performs well in a busy manufacturing setting. You bring a practical mindset, a strong focus on improvement, and the confidence to influence others and lift team capability.

You are comfortable working across functions, coaching people, and using data and standards to improve results.

Requirements

• A tertiary qualification in Process Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a similar discipline.
• Background in dairy or food manufacturing, with proven technical and leadership experience.
• Strong people skills and the ability to build trust and influence across teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication ability.
• Good planning and organisation skills, with the ability to handle several priorities at once.
• Comfort working in a changing, fast-moving environment.
• A self-driven approach and the ability to work independently.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and SAP.
• Ability to identify issues, interpret results, and recommend practical actions.
• Flexibility to adjust working hours when needed to support a 24/7 operation.

About Danone

Danone is focused on encouraging healthier and more sustainable eating and drinking habits, aligned to its vision of One Planet. One Health. The business operates across four main areas: Essential Dairy and Plant-Based Products, Waters, Early Life Nutrition, and Medical Nutrition. With its headquarters in France, Danone has a presence in 55 countries and sells products in more than 120 markets.

Danone ANZ specialises in dairy and specialist nutrition products for infants and adults and has been recognised as a Great Place to Work in ANZ for 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. The Balclutha-area spray drying plant in Greenfield uses advanced European technology to produce and package nutritional powders from high-quality New Zealand milk collected and processed daily.

Perks and benefits

• Company-paid medical insurance, plus discounted cover for your family.
• Free life insurance.
• Free flu vaccination, annual medical checks, and onsite car parking.
• Product discounts and savings with selected retailers.
• Gym and café discounts.
• Annual bonus scheme.
• Fresh fruit provided daily.
• 4% KiwiSaver contribution.
• 26 weeks of gender-neutral paid parental leave.
• Employee Share Subscription Plan available after 12 months of service.
• Performance-based incentives and annual reviews.

Growth and inclusion

Danone values individuality and believes every person has something unique to contribute. Strong performance in this role may open the door to future opportunities within the business in New Zealand or overseas. The company supports career ownership and encourages movement across functions and business areas.

Danone is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building an inclusive, diverse workplace where qualified people are considered fairly regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

Additional information

No recruitment agencies, please.

Applications are being reviewed as they are received, so early submission is encouraged.