Production Operator

Lactalis - Mainland Dairy; City of Devonport; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-the-job training

Career development

Competitive pay

Global opportunities

Supportive team environment

Job summary

Lactalis-Mainland Dairy in Spreyton is seeking a motivated Production Operator to join our Manufacturing team. This role offers training across dairy processing operations including milk evaporation, drying, lactose processing and packing support.

You will learn and operate complex equipment, monitor processes, and uphold safety and quality standards while collaborating with production, maintenance and quality teams. A proactive attitude and strong teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in food manufacturing, dairy processing or a production environment.
• Understanding of HACCP principles.
• Exposure to SAP, CITECT and/or IWS is advantageous.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Commitment to workplace safety, food safety and product quality.

Responsibilities

• Operating and monitoring milk evaporators and dryers to ensure safe and efficient production.
• Learning and operating lactose evaporators and dryers.
• Supporting milk separation and product pasteurisation processes.
• Assisting packing operations as required.
• Monitoring production processes through control systems and responding to process variations.
• Maintaining product quality and food safety standards.
• Following site procedures, work instructions and safe operating practices.
• Accurately recording production information and process data.
• Participating in continuous improvement initiatives and supporting team performance.
• Working collaboratively with production, maintenance and quality teams to achieve operational goals.

Skills

Willingness to learn

Problem-solving

Initiative

Positive attitude

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Communication

Teamwork

Tools

SAP

CITECT

Integrated Work Systems (IWS)

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 the world's leading dairy group, with a presence in 50 countries and a portfolio of well-loved brands including Président, Galbani, Parmalat, Pauls, OAK, Mainland and Western Star. We are committed to delivering high-quality dairy products while fostering innovation, sustainability and excellence across our operations.

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a motivated and safety-focused Production Operator to join our Manufacturing team at Spreyton.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop your skills across a variety of dairy processing operations, including milk evaporation and drying, lactose processing, milk separation, product pasteurisation and supporting packing operations.

While experience in food manufacturing is advantageous, we are looking for someone with a strong willingness to learn, good problem-solving ability, initiative and a positive attitude. Full training will be provided to support your development and success in the role.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Operating and monitoring milk evaporators and dryers to ensure safe and efficient production.
• Learning and operating lactose evaporators and dryers.
• Supporting milk separation and product pasteurisation processes.
• Assisting packing operations as required.
• Monitoring production processes through control systems and responding to process variations.
• Maintaining product quality and food safety standards.
• Following site procedures, work instructions and safe operating practices.
• Accurately recording production information and process data.
• Participating in continuous improvement initiatives and supporting team performance.
• Working collaboratively with production, maintenance and quality teams to achieve operational goals.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will be a reliable team player who enjoys working in a hands-on manufacturing environment. You will have a strong work ethic, a commitment to safety and quality, and the desire to build a long-term career within the dairy industry.

You Will Ideally Have:

• Experience within food manufacturing, dairy processing or a production environment.
• An understanding of HACCP principles.
• Exposure to SAP, CITECT and/or Integrated Work Systems (IWS) is advantageous.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• The ability to learn technical processes and operate complex equipment.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• A proactive attitude with the initiative to solve problems and identify improvement opportunities.
• A commitment to workplace safety, food safety and product quality.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive on-the-job training and development.
• A structured pathway to become a multi-skilled Operator.
• Competitive pay and benefits.
• Career development and internal opportunities across a global dairy business.
• A supportive, team-focused workplace where your contribution makes a real impact.
• Exposure to advanced dairy processing technology and manufacturing systems.
• A strong commitment to quality, innovation and sustainability.

Working Hours

This position operates on a 4-on, 4-off rotating roster, consisting of 12-hour shifts:

• Followed by 4 days off
• 4 consecutive night shifts
• Followed by 4 days off

This roster provides extended periods of time off while offering excellent exposure to all aspects of plant operations. 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.

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