Shift Team Leader

The Role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Shift Team Leader to join our busy team in our Dryer 3 plant. This is a hands-on leadership role where you will lead and develop your shift team to deliver the production plan and ensure our business objectives are achieved.

You will have overall responsibility for the key results and systems of the shift team, while managing the day-to-day running of the plant and supporting operational performance. This role operates on a 4 on 4 off shift pattern.

The main responsibilities of this role include:

• Leading day-to-day plant operations to ensure production plans are delivered 

• Ensuring timely and accurate management of manufacturing orders and log sheets 

• Supervising and supporting team members, including direct reports (SPT and PT) 

• Overall responsibility for shift performance across safety, quality, GMP, process reliability, engagement, team development, IWS, cost, and loss reduction 

• Supporting the Production Manager to achieve plant targets across safety, quality, yield, reliability and people 

• Managing plant activities including turnarounds, washes, breakdowns and Maintenance Turnarounds. 

• Using systems such as SAP, EAM, and Humanforce for reporting and workforce management 

• Acting as a key communication link between teams and shifts 

• Building strong cross-functional relationships with quality, maintenance, and operations teams 

• Supporting and developing team capability across the shift 

• Applying strong critical thinking and decision-making in a high-responsibility environment 

Skills and Experience  

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and attributes:

• Proven dryer experience within dairy or food manufacturing 

• Strong packing and processing knowledge, with the ability to problem-solve effectively 

• Previous experience in a leadership or supervisory role 

• Experience working under a risk management programme or relevant food safety/regulatory frameworks 

• Strong relationship-building skills across operations, quality, and maintenance teams 

• High level of accountability, initiative and sound judgement

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. 

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