Operator/Lab Technician - Stirling

Avature; Stirling; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in dairy manufacturing, Fonterra, is looking for a passionate Operator/Lab Technician to join their Stirling site starting August 2025. The role focuses on sample preparation, data analysis, and ensuring product quality through methodical work and teamwork within a motivated environment.

Qualifications

• Background in laboratory work, quality assurance, or analytical laboratory work desired.
• Understanding of basic food safety required.
• Switched-on, practical, and eager to learn.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and test samples from production line.
• Accurate analysis of in-process results.
• Set up and run automated production machinery.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Communication skills

Time management

Education

Qualification in Science

Job description

Here at Fonterra, we are committed to growing our people. We value you and your career progression and are excited that you are taking this next step in your career journey with us. We are proud to offer a wide variety of roles across the Co-op, ensuring that no matter what business unit or stage of life you're in, there's a good chance we've got something to suit.

Established in 1982, Stirling site is Fonterra’s only manufacturing site in the Otago region. Specialising in Cheese, the site has picked up awards from both in New Zealand and internationally for their Cheddar and Colby. Stirling produces around 10,500 20kgs blocks of cheese everyday.

About the opportunity | Mō tēnei tūranga

We have an opportunity for an Operator/Lab Technician to join our manufacturing team in Stirling starting in August 2025. Working on a rostered shift pattern, a role as a Lab Tech/Operator is a fantastic opportunity if you are serious about beginning your career at Fonterra and keen to be part of a highly motivated and supportive team. This role is all about attention to detail, working with data to ensure our products are of the highest possible quality.

Some of your key responsibilities will include:

•Prepare and test samples from our production line and enter the test results into our system ensuring documentation is correct and completed on time

•Accurate analysis of in-process results

•Liaising with production staff and other Fonterra Laboratories

•Setting up, checking and running automated production machinery

We are looking for someone who is switched-on, practical and eager to learn. You will need:

•A passion for science (a Qualification in Science will be helpful)

•Background in laboratory work, quality assurance, food handling, dairy manufacturing or analytical laboratory work is desired

•An understanding of basic food safety

•The ability to work as a productive team member with good communication skills

•The ability to think on your feet

•Methodical work ethic with strong attention to detail and excellent time management skills

Applications close at midnight on Tuesday 17th June 2025.

Are you excited about this opportunity but may only meet some requirements?

At Fonterra, we are committed to building a diverse workplace and, therefore, open to looking at applicants with excellent transferable skills. If that's you, we encourage you to apply as you may be the right candidate for this role or one of our other opportunities.