Farm Milk Collection Team Leader

Lactalis - Mainland Dairy; Darnum; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay and benefits

Career development and internal global

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Lactalis-Mainland Dairy is seeking a proactive Milk Collection Operations Leader to oversee day-to-day transport operations for our farm milk collection network. You will lead a team of Tanker Drivers, manage rosters, plan fleet movements, and ensure safety and compliance across the operation.

You will partner with internal stakeholders to optimize performance, maintain quality documentation, and drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced dairy environment.

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams in transport, logistics or dairy/manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of transport safety and Heavy Vehicle National Law obligations.

Responsibilities

• Lead Tanker Drivers and coordinate rosters, fleet movements and maintenance.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure safe, compliant and efficient operations.
• Monitor performance and implement improvements in efficiency and service delivery.
• Maintain accurate documentation for operations, compliance and payroll.

Skills

Leadership

Transport safety

Decision making

Performance management

Data-driven analytics

IT & reporting tools

Organisational skills

Tools

Workforce management software

Reporting tools

IT systems

Job description

Mainland Dairy, the business formerly known as Fonterra’s global Consumer and associated businesses, is now part of the Lactalis Group and known as Lactalis-Mainland Dairy.

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 is a team of more than 4,300 employees, operating 16 manufacturing sites across Oceania, Southeast Asia, South Asia and the Middle East. We make well-loved brands including Perfect Italiano, 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.

The Opportunity

Working on a 4 on, 4 off roster (6:00am to 6:00pm), the Milk Collection Operations Leader is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day transport operations of our farm milk collection network. Leading a team of Tanker Drivers, you'll ensure people, fleet, and resources are utilised safely and efficiently while collaborating with key internal stakeholders to deliver operational excellence.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading, supporting, and coordinating Tanker Drivers, ensuring shifts are commenced safely and in line with fatigue management standards.
• Managing driver rosters, truck availability, fleet movements, maintenance activities, and ad-hoc collections to meet operational requirements.
• Partnering with key internal stakeholders including the Milk Sourcing Service Centre, Central Scheduling Team, Site Receival Teams, Fleet Services, CMV Maintenance, and Regional Operations teams to ensure seamless operations.
• Monitoring transport performance, reviewing planned versus actual outcomes, escalating operational issues, and identifying opportunities to improve efficiencies and service delivery.
• Ensuring accurate operational, compliance, payroll, and quality documentation is completed and maintained, including reporting, quality uploads, and supporting corporate requirements.
• Promoting a strong safety culture and ensuring operations are managed in line with Chain of Responsibility obligations and compliance requirements under Heavy Vehicle National Law legislation.
• Supporting site operations through quality testing, fuel and chemical management, driver coaching, compliance activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.

About you

We're looking for a resilient and proactive leader who thrives in a fast-paced operational environment. You will be a self-starter who can confidently make informed decisions, lead from the front, and build credibility with drivers and stakeholders alike.

You will bring:

• Previous experience leading teams within transport, logistics, dairy, manufacturing, or a similar operational environment.
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of transport safety, Chain of Responsibility obligations, and compliance requirements under Heavy Vehicle National Law legislation.
• Strong decision-making skills, with the confidence to assess situations, solve problems, and make operational decisions independently.
• The ability to have challenging conversations, hold people accountable, and effectively manage driver performance when required.
• A data-driven and analytical mindset, using operational metrics and reporting to identify trends, improve performance, and drive positive outcomes.
• Well-developed IT skills and experience using operational systems, reporting tools, and workforce management platforms.
• Exceptional organisational and communication skills, with the ability to remain calm, prioritise effectively, and perform under pressure.

You’ll also have a genuine passion for continuous improvement, a collaborative approach to working with cross-functional teams, and a commitment to creating a safe, efficient, and high-performing operation.

What We Offer

• Competitive pay and benefits
• Career development and internal opportunities across a global business
• A team focused workplace in a fantastic culture where your work has real impact
• A strong commitment to quality, innovation and sustainability
• Flexible work arrangements where possible

We believe in you bringing your best and most authentic self to work and we want you to succeed in a way that allows you to win, in every aspect of your life. We strongly encourage applications from First Nations people, as well as individuals of diverse cultural and social backgrounds. Our team is dedicated to supporting your professional development and personal wellbeing.

We look forward to the possibility of you joining our inclusive team.

Please note that applicants must have full working rights for Australia to be considered.