Process Lead - Dryer

Clutha NZ; Balclutha; On-site; NZD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Life insurance

Free annual medical checks

Gym discounts

Annual Bonus Scheme

Kiwisaver contribution

Job summary

Clutha NZ in Balclutha, New Zealand is seeking a Process Lead to join our team. This permanent full-time position focuses on driving process excellence across manufacturing.

You will support the Line Lead, engage in training, and implement improvements while ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.

The role requires strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and flexibility to support a dynamic 24/7 environment.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Process Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in dairy or food manufacturing.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust.

Responsibilities

• Support the Line Lead in embedding Dan‑IWS principles.
• Lead operator training and upskilling.
• Manage line settings and control strategies.

Skills

Problem-solving capability

Leadership skills

Analytical capability

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Flexibility

Education

Tertiary qualification in Process Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

SAP

Job description

We are looking for a Process Lead to join our team at our Balclutha site. This is a key role within our Line Centric Organisation, where you will operate as part of the Line Trio, driving process excellence, capability uplift, and loss elimination across your area.

Reporting to the Line Lead, you will take ownership of process performance by establishing standards, supporting technical capability, and leading structured problem‑solving. You will play a critical role in improving equipment performance, embedding Dan‑IWS principles, and delivering sustainable manufacturing outcomes.

This is a permanent full‑time position, working Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm, with flexibility required to support a 24/7 manufacturing operation when needed.

Key responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Support the Line Lead in embedding Dan‑IWS principles and ways of working
• Lead operator training, identify capability gaps, and deliver structured upskilling
• Prepare and deliver training for process and equipment changes
• Coach and develop Operators, Shift Engineers, and Line Trio members
• Own Centreline management and DDS (Daily Direction Setting) results for your area
• Design, implement, and maintain data systems for key process and product parameters
• Identify, analyse, and eliminate process losses using structured problem‑solving tools
• Contribute to daily direction‑setting, report performance, and escalat[e?] resource needs
• Develop and standardise daily management systems critical to line performance
• Apply Dan‑IWS methodologies to identify root causes and implement countermeasures
• Manage line settings, recipes, system access, and user controls
• Support change management and maintain process control strategies
• Drive knowledge sharing and reapplication of learnings across lines and sites
• Participate in planned stops, RCOs, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Partner with Quality to investigate incidents and strengthen process controls
• Train teams on quality risks, procedures, and standards
• Ensure adherence to Food Safety, HACCP, and ISO 22000 requirements
• Lead and support iCare initiatives across the plant
• Foster a culture of ownership, continuous improvement, and alignment to Danone values

About you

You are a technically capable and proactive leader who thrives in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment. You bring strong problem‑solving capability, a continuous improvement mindset, and the ability to influence and develop others.

You are confident working across teams, coaching capability, and driving performance through strong standards and data‑led decision‑making.

To be successful, you will have:

• A tertiary qualification in Process Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• Experience in dairy or food manufacturing, with demonstrated technical and leadership capability
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and influence across teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks
• The ability to work effectively in a dynamic and changing environment
• A self‑directed approach with the ability to work independently
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capability
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and SAP
• The ability to identify issues, draw conclusions, and recommend practical solutions
• Flexibility to adjust working hours to support a 24/7 operation when required

• Medical insurance paid for by the company for you and discounts for your whānau
• Free life insurance
• Flu vaccination, free annual medical checks, and free onsite car parking
• Discount on our products and at a range of retailers.
• Gym and cafe discounts.
• Annual Bonus Scheme
• 4% Kiwisaver contribution and so much more!
• 26 weeks of gender‑neutral paid parental leave
• Employee Share Subscription Plan after 12 months of service
• Performance‑related incentives and annual reviews

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

We proudly affirm that we are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, and our ambition is to foster a 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.

No Recruitment Agencies, please.

• Classifications: Manufacturing, Wholesale Trade,