Process Operator

Open Country Dairy Ltd; Southland; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KPI bonuses

Competitive salary

Small focused team

Job summary

Open Country Dairy Ltd in New Zealand’s Southland region invites applications for a Process Operator at our Awarua site near Invercargill. You will operate modern automated processing equipment and ensure product meets KPI targets while maintaining high standards of safety and housekeeping.

You will work with a small focused team, have strong computer literacy, and contribute to ongoing process and quality improvements. A competitive salary and KPI bonuses are expected.

Qualifications

• Proven work history in manufacturing.
• Experience operating automated equipment.
• Excellent communication and computer literacy.
• Strong team player.

Responsibilities

• Operate modern, automated processing equipment.
• Ensure product meets specification targets and KPIs.
• Assist with housekeeping and plant maintenance.
• Maintain health and safety and ensure operational compliance.
• Liaise with plant management, engineering, technical and warehousing staff.
• Drive continual process and quality improvement.

Skills

Automated equipment operation

Team player

Communication

Computer literacy

Job description

Open Country Dairy, is New Zealand’s second largest dairy manufacturer, producing a range of quality dairy ingredients that are exported globally. Our Awarua site is located 10km south of Invercargill and operates four modern Milk Powder Plants an AMF plant, and a new Milk Concentration plant. Our business has experienced steady growth over the years, and plan is to continue this growth, as such, we are seeking to employ additional Process Operators.

Duties include:

• The operation of a modern, automated, processing equipment
• Ensuring that product meets all specification targets and KPI's
• Managing routine tasks including housekeeping and assisting in plant maintenance
• Excellence in site Health and Safety and operational compliance
• Liaising with plant management, engineering, technical, and warehousing personnel
• Driving continual Process and Quality improvement

The successful candidate needs to have the following qualities:

• A proven work history, be motivated and passionate about manufacturing
• Experience in operating automated equipment
• Excellent communication and computer literacy
• Must be a strong team player

Desirable Qualities:

• Dairy industry experience
• Food processing experience
• A trade certification

What is in it for you?

• We offer you the opportunity to work in a modern dynamic operation and in a key role
• We offer a very competitive salary
• We reward your performance with solid KPI bonuses
• The opportunity to work with a small, focused team where excellence is appreciated and rewarded.

Applicants must have legal right to work in NZ. Application close24 June 2026