Dairy Opertaor

Lactalis - Mainland Dairy; Cobden; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Forklift Licence desirable

Job summary

Lactalis-Mainland Dairy Australia in Cobden, VIC is seeking a Dairy Operator to operate, monitor and clean complex process and packing machinery. You will record key product and process information in our database and perform basic maintenance checks.

This fast-paced role offers a dynamic 42-hour week with rotating shifts (4 on 4 off or 5 on 2 off) across all days, including weekends, fostering work-life balance and team collaboration.

Qualifications

• Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to operate and monitor complex process equipment.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Commitment to health and safety standards.
• Ability to follow procedures and maintain records in the database.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor and clean complex process and packing machinery to meet product specs.
• Record key product and process information in the database.
• Carry out basic maintenance checks and support continuous improvement.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Teamwork

Health & safety

Communication

Numerical skills

Computer literacy

Job description

Lactalis is a French family-owned business founded in Laval in 1933. Today, it is the world’s leading dairy group, present in 50 countries employing around 85,500 people. It is home to some of the world’s best known global and international dairy brands, including Président, Galbani and Parmalat, and local brands including Pauls, OAK, and Cracker Barrel in Australia.

Lactalis-Mainland Dairy Australia operate 8 manufacturing sites producing well-loved brands including PerfectItaliano, Mainland, and Western Star.

Our passionate and talented team is committed to nurturing the future, unlocking new opportunities, and fostering innovation in nutrition and food.

About Us

Located in the heart of South West Victoria, our Cobden site is one of Australia's largest dairy manufacturing facilities and home to the iconic Western Star™ brand. Producing butter and spreads, milk powders, and fresh milk products for domestic and international markets, Cobden is a fast-paced manufacturing environment where safety, reliability, quality, and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything we do.

About the role

As a Dairy Operator, you’ll be operating, monitoring and cleaning complex process and packing machinery, ensuring the product specifications are met according to our customer requirements.

You’ll also be recording key product and process information in our database and using your mechanical capabilities to carry out basic maintenance checks.

This role offers a dynamic 42-hour work week with rotating and flexible shifts, following either a 4 on 4 off or 5 on 2 off roster. You’ll have the opportunity to work across all days of the week, including weekends, providing a great balance of work and time off.

About You

We are looking for a highly motivated and proactive individual to join our team as a Dairy operator. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who excels in using their initiative and working autonomously, while also thriving as a team player—collaborating with others to identify solutions and drive continuous improvement.

In this fast-paced and hands-on role, you will need a basic mechanical aptitude, excellent teamwork skills, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety.

Other key skills and experience include:

• Some numerical and computer literacy skills
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a team setting
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• A flexible, solutions-oriented mindset with a collaborative attitude
• Leadership potential with a strong work ethic
• Previous experience in the food industry or a manufacturing environment (desirable)
• Forklift driving experience and a current Forklift Licence (desirable)

Our Commitment

Lactalis-Mainland Dairy is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, or ability.