Equipment Operator - Wetside

Danone; Otago; On-site; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing company in Otago is seeking an Equipment Operator to join their team. In this full-time position, you will operate and optimize equipment for converting raw milk into infant formula. Ideal candidates will have experience in industrial equipment operation and a strong understanding of process control principles. A commitment to safety and hygiene is essential.

Benefits

Competitive Total Reward package

Health insurance

26 weeks of parental leave

Employee Share Subscription Plan

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating industrial equipment in a food manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of process control principles is essential.
• Ability to interpret run sheets and make precise adjustments.

Responsibilities

• Monitor product quality and ensure output meets specifications.
• Issue and receive permits for work coordination safely.
• Maintain high hygiene and cleanliness standards.

Skills

Industrial equipment operation

Process control principles

Problem-solving skills

Permit-to-work systems

Hygiene and sanitation standards

Job description

About The Job

Danone Nutricia NZ is looking for a dedicated Equipment Operator – Wet Side to join our production team at our spray drying factory in Balclutha. You will support processing of raw milk into infant formula and play a key role in delivering high-quality products, for the first time right to our consumers day after day.

As an Equipment Operator – Wet Side, your primary responsibility will be the operation and optimisation of equipment to convert raw milk into infant formula powder. This includes monitoring product quality and ensuring consistent output that meets Danone’s stringent specifications.

This vacancy is a permanent full-time job, working in a rotating shift roster of 12-hour shifts, 2 days, 2 nights and 4 days off. Minimum guaranteed hours per week 42.

You will apply structured problem-solving techniques to address operational challenges and ensure smooth day-to-day production. As part of your responsibilities, you will issue and receive permits to work, coordinating maintenance and contractor activities safely within the production area. Maintaining a high standard of hygiene and cleanliness throughout the factory is essential, and you will be accountable for achieving powder production targets, ensuring the correct manufacturing of products, and upholding safe work practices at all times.

About You

To be successful you will have

• Proven experience operating industrial equipment in a food manufacturing or dairy processing environment.
• Strong understanding of process control principles.
• Ability to interpret run sheets and make precise adjustments to maintain product quality within specification.
• Sound problem-solving skills and the ability to respond effectively to operational challenges.
• Knowledge of permit-to-work systems and safe coordination of maintenance and contractor activities.
• Commitment to maintaining high hygiene and sanitation standards in compliance with food safety regulations.
• A proactive approach to meeting production targets and ensuring safe, efficient manufacturing practices.

About Us

We truly value our Danoners and strive to make their experience exceptional by creating a positive and fulfilling environment for everyone. Our unique benefits are designed to enhance the lives and provide genuine value.

• A high-performing, collaborative team culture
• Diverse and inclusive work environment
• Personalised learning opportunities to set you up for success
• Competitive Total Reward package including;
• Health, Life, and salary continuance insurance
• 26 weeks of gender-neutral paid parental leave
• Employee Share Subscription Plan after 12 months of service
• Performance-related incentives and annual reviews

More About Us

At Danone, we aim to inspire healthier and more sustainable eating and drinking practices, in line with our Vision - Danone, One Planet. One Health.

We operate across four business lines Essential Dairy and Plant-Based Products, Waters, Early Life Nutrition, and Medical Nutrition. Our headquarters are in France, we have offices in 55 countries across the globe, and our products are sold in over 120 markets. We have been around for more than a century and are the proud owners of some of the best-known brands worldwide, including YoPro, Activia, Aptamil and Karicare.

Danone ANZ focuses on dairy and specialised nutrition products for infants and adults and is proud to be awarded the Great Place to Work accreditation winner for ANZ in 2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025 – a globally recognised program where we feature as one of New Zealand’s top places to work.

How To Apply

If this opportunity resonates with you and you’re eager to shape and define this role, then go ahead and seize the moment. Click on the APPLY button and share your resume with us.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)

We proudly affirm that we are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, and our ambition is to foster an INCLUSIVE & DIVERSE workplace where all Danoners can bring their uniqueness to contribute to business results. Our commitment to DEI ensures that all qualified individuals receive fair consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability at our company.