Spray Dryer Operator

Bega Group; Tatura; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Bega Group at the Tatura site is recruiting for a production operator to supervise drying operations. The role requires operating and monitoring drying equipment, maintaining product quality, and ensuring food safety to meet production targets.

The successful candidate will work 12-hour shifts across days and nights (6am–6pm and 6pm–6am) to support 24/7 operations, with emphasis on accuracy, safety, and team collaboration.

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating industrial dryer processing equipment.
• Mechanical aptitude with fault finding and basic troubleshooting.
• Basic computer skills (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Attention to quality, safety, and detail.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor drying equipment to ensure safe, efficient production.
• Manage process parameters and respond to alarms, deviations, and faults promptly.
• Ensure effective shift handovers, reporting, and record-keeping; escalate as needed.
• Perform start-ups, shutdowns, changeovers, and CIP.
• Adhere to Bega’s Safety, Environmental and Quality systems and procedures.

Skills

Industrial dryer experience

Mechanical aptitude

Basic computer skills

Quality and safety mindset

Forklift license desired

Job description

If you are curious & creative, invested in not only your own success but also the growth of others, and believe in building the Great Australian Food Company, then you might be the one for us!

• Full-time, permanent role with opportunities for upskilling and career progression
• Be part of a leading Australian dairy manufacturer
• Work with advanced drying technology & modern facility
• Attractive hourly rate + shift loading

The Role

Our Tatura site is an icon in the region, well known around the world for its quality dairy products. As well as being the country’s largest producer of cream cheese, it also produces infant formula, nutritional lactoferrin, various milk powders, plus our famous single serve butter.

This role is accountable for complex process control, quality outcomes, across drying operations ensuring product quality, food safety, and production targets are consistently met.

The incumbent must be available on 12-hour shifts across days and nights a to support 24/7 factory operation (i.e. weekends, public holidays, etc).

• Day shift: 6AM to 6PM
• Night shift: 6PM to 6AM

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor drying equipment to ensure safe and efficient production
• Manage process parameters (temperature, pressure, flow rates, moisture levels) & respond to alarms, process deviations & equipment faults promptly.
• Ensure effective shift handovers, accurate reporting and record‑keeping, timely escalation, and adherence to schedules
• Perform start‑ups, shutdowns, changeovers, and cleaning (CIP) to required standards
• Adherence to Bega’s Safety, Environmental and Quality systems and procedures

About You

• Proven experience in operating industrial dryer processing equipment
• Mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills – fault finding and basic troubleshooting skills
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Words, Excel, Outlook, etc)
• Attention to quality, safety, and details
• Forklift license (good to have)

Bega Group Story

Bega Group is home to many trusted and iconic food and beverage brands. Whether it’s VEGEMITE on toast, a Dare on the go or a Zooper Dooper on a hot day - you've probably grown up enjoying the iconic products we proudly manufacture every day.

Our growth story of becoming a successful ASX 200 listed company with an annual turnover in excess of $3 billion and approximately 4,000 employees, is made possible by our dedicated workforce who live and breathe our values every day. We have a strong regional focus and proudly support the communities where we work, live and play. At the Bega Group, we are proud of our heritage and will continue to build great opportunities to encourage our people to develop and thrive. Come and be a part of our success story as we continue to build The Great Australian Food Company through creating Great Food for a Better Future!

Life at Bega Group

Company culture and our values are very important to us. From flexible working arrangements and regular social catch ups, we’re committed to fostering a supportive and agile work environment for our team.

• Join a dedicated, forward-thinking and innovative culture
• Grow with us, through opportunities for career development and progression
• Contribute by giving back to your community through charities we partner with
• Access to mental and physical health programs through our wellbeing portal and programs
• Enjoy excellent employee benefits, including flexible working, purchased leave options and salary continuance insurance

Applications

The successful applicant will be required to complete a pre-employment medical.

Must hold a current Australian driver’s license.

At Bega Group, diversity and inclusion is a business priority, we want everyone to be themselves regardless of their background, religion, sexual orientation, age or gender so we can truly reflect the customers and communities that we serve. No matter how you identify, we encourage talented people from all backgrounds, abilities, and identities to apply to work at the Bega Group.

We will accept applications from all people with the right to live and work in Australia.