Process Lead

Fonterra; New Zealand; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fair and equitable pay

Health and well‑being programs

Professional development opportunities

Career growth support

Work‑life balance options

Employee recognition

Community involvement support

Job summary

Fonterra is seeking a Process Lead to drive continuous improvement across the production lines using RTT. You will own data analytics, identify losses, and lead standardisation of work and processes.

Reporting to the Line Lead, you will coach the team, build capability, and ensure cost-effective, high-quality operations on the line and packing stages.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification or proven process/CI experience.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and Lean methods.
• Experience in waste identification and loss elimination using Lean.
• Hands-on problem-solving with mechanical knowledge of processing equipment.
• Six Sigma/Lean qualification is highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain data systems for critical parameters.
• Prioritise improvement opportunities with Line and Maintenance leads.
• Develop standards to minimize process variation.
• Lead and upskill the Production Team and equipment owners.
• Ensure solutions are cost-efficient without compromising quality.

Skills

Tertiary qualification

Manufacturing processes

Lean / waste reduction

Problem solving

Six Sigma / Lean

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s or higher in a relevant field

Job description

Position Description

Imagine Tomorrow with Us | Ata whakaarohia tō āpōpō

At Fonterra Te Mātāpuna, we want everyone to feel they can be themselves.

Whether you're early in your career or ready for your next step, Fonterra offers a unique opportunity to grow with a global dairy co-operative that values care, collaboration, and contribution.

Owned by New Zealand dairy farmers and supported by a dedicated team, we are all working together to create a better future. Imagine tomorrow with us, where your career can grow, and you can create positive change.

About us | He kupu mō mātou

Our Kauri site was established in 1989 and is Fonterra’s northernmost site. The site produces a range of milk powders, butters, AMF and a range of speciality products. Kauri’s Skim Milk Powder evaporator remains the largest single stage evaporator in NZ!

About the Opportunity | Mō tēnei tūranga

Run To Target (RTT) is a core COO strategy to deliver continuous performance improvement by enabling leadership, with frontline teams, to build a high-performance culture. RTT is a line-focused approach to building the capability to rigorously maintain and execute standardized work processes to eliminate losses. It delivers one way of working that is practiced in over 500 sites worldwide, including Fonterra's global operations.

As the Process Lead, you will have ownership for leading and developing the operating teams’ technical understanding and mastery of process control and owning the integrity of the Line Event Data System, being responsible for data analytics of line losses.

This is a highly regarded role acting as the team’s expert in troubleshooting/problem-solving. As Centre Line system owner, you will identify and eliminate process losses occurring along the process and packing lines by utilizing the Integrated Work System (IWS) model.

Reporting to the Line Lead, your core responsibilities will include:

• Design, implement, and maintain systems to collect and analyze data for critical product and process parameters
• Prioritise improvement opportunities in conjunction with Line and Maintenance leads (90-day plan setting)
• Develop and implement standards and procedures to minimize process variation
• Lead and build capability across the Production Team and coach equipment owners
• Ensure solutions are cost-efficient and do not jeopardize quality and reliability.

About You | Mōu

We are looking for a hardworking and collaborative team member, who will bring their passion for Continuous improvement.

To be successful in this role you will ideally bring:

• Tertiary level qualification in a relevant field or proven process or continuous improvement experience
• Sound understanding of manufacturing processes
• Working experience in waste identification projects & the use of Lean methods to eliminate waste/loss
• Technically minded & hands‑on problem-solving, with a good understanding of mechanical principles of food processing equipment
• A 6 Sigma/Lean Manufacturing qualification will be highly regarded.
• If this sounds like you and you’re looking to further your career with Fonterra, we look forward to hearing from you

Our Values | Ngā Aura

At Fonterra, our values of Good Together, Better Every Day, and Every Drop Counts, are for everyone – no matter your background, identify or experience. These values guide us in delivering exceptional outcomes for our farmers, customers, communities, and each other. Discover how your values align with ours by taking our Values Quiz

Our Commitment to You | Tā mātou oati

We care for our people globally. Our comprehensive benefits support your well-being, development, and work-life balance:

• Fair and equitable pay
• Health and well‑being programs (medical, mental health support)
• Professional development opportunities
• Career growth support
• Work‑life balance options (flexible/hybrid working where possible)
• Employee recognition
• Support for community involvement and cultural connection

To learn more, visit Fonterra Careers

A Career of Opportunities | Ngā Mahi

At Fonterra, we are inspired by purpose and guided by our principles and values. Together, we create goodness for generations and make a global impact at a local level. As part of our Co‑operative, you are an everyday creator, imagining what Fonterra, dairy, and you can be here.

Join Us | Tātou Tātou

Does this sound good to you? Come join our whānau - bring your whole self, and let's solve for better together.

You, me, us together, Tātou, tātou.

Together, we're shaping a future of inclusion | He Wāhi mō te Katoa

Inclusion is key to our Co‑operative. We're building a team that reflects the diverse world we live in, believing it drives better decisions and innovation.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds (ethnicities, genders, identities, orientations, ages, abilities, neurotypes, cultures, religions).

If you face accessibility issues or need accommodations during the process, please contact your recruiter. We ensure fair participation, allowing you to be at your best. Tātou, tātou.

Applications close at midnight on 8th of October 2026.