Head of Process Engineering

Open Country Dairy Ltd; Auckland; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Open Country Dairy Ltd is seeking a Head of Process Engineering, based in East Tamaki and reporting to the GM Engineering & Business Performance. You will lead site-based Process Engineers within a matrix structure, working with Site Managers who retain direct line management responsibility.

You will drive process capability, deliver yield and throughput gains, shape five-year capital plans and champion safe, hygienic design across multiple manufacturing sites.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Process, Chemical, Mechanical or Food Engineering or related discipline.
• Manufacturing process engineering experience, preferably in dairy or food.
• Capital project delivery experience from design through commissioning.
• Ability to coach engineers and influence stakeholders with clear communication.
• Structured problem-solving and commercial judgment, balancing standards with site needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead process engineering capability and standards across the manufacturing network.
• Drive gains in yield, throughput, product quality and profitability.
• Shape capital investment and technology solutions with lasting impact.
• Lead design, specifications and performance validation from concept to handover.
• Partner with automation, reliability and site teams to improve plant performance.

Skills

Leadership

Process engineering

Project delivery

Coaching

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Process/Chemical/Mechanical or Food Eng

Job description

Open Country is seeking a Head of Process Engineering, based in East Tamaki and reporting to the GM Engineering & Business Performance.

You will provide functional leadership to site-based Process Engineers within a matrix structure, working alongside Site Managers who retain direct line management responsibility.

• Lead process engineering capability and standards across our manufacturing network.
• Drive measurable gains in yield, throughput, product quality and profitability.
• Shape capital investment and technology solutions with lasting operational impact.

What You’ll Lead

• Manufacturing performance: Identify and deliver yield, throughput and product-mix improvements, reduce production losses and validate the financial benefits.
• Capital and technology: Contribute to the five-year capital plan, develop robust technical business cases and help prioritise investment opportunities.
• Project delivery: Lead process design, specifications and performance validation from concept through commissioning and handover, ensuring plants achieve their designed outcomes.
• Integrated improvement: Partner with automation, reliability, business improvement and site teams to improve plant performance and reduce product variability.
• Technical capability: Coach site-based engineers, establish consistent engineering standards and build capability across the network.
• Process safety: Champion safe, hygienic process design and operation, including capital assets and contractor compliance.

What You’ll Bring

• A tertiary qualification in Process, Chemical, Mechanical or Food Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Manufacturing process engineering experience, preferably in dairy or food.
• Capital project delivery experience, from design through commissioning.
• Proven ability to coach engineers and influence stakeholders through technical credibility and clear communication.
• Structured problem-solving, commercial judgement and the ability to balance network standards with site needs.

Multi-site or matrix leadership, yield and throughput optimisation experience, and postgraduate qualifications or Chartered Engineer status are desirable.

Why this role?

Bring your technical expertise to a role combining strategic influence with hands‑on delivery across multiple manufacturing sites.

Applications close 22 November 2026 or on appointment.