Process Operator - Research and Development

Fonterra; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and well-being programs

Work-life balance options (flexible/hY

Employee recognition

Job summary

Fonterra Research and Development Centre (FRDC) in Palmerston North seeks a Process Operator to join the Pilot Plant team on a permanent basis. You will operate various plant equipment in a dynamic environment, supporting formulation and processing at pilot scale, enabling scale-up to manufacturing sites.

As part of our R&D community, you will work with researchers and engineers, handling documentation and contributing to new product developments while maintaining high safety and quality

Qualifications

• Mechanical mindset and hands-on approach.
• to ensure compliance and quality documentation.
• experience in FMCG/food manufacturing or relevant environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Set up, monitor and operate production machinery (manual and semi-automated).
• Run machine diagnostics and solve problems.
• Ensure documentation and Food Safety/Quality records are complete.
• Collaborate across business units and apply technical expertise.
• Deliver new product development and provide business support outputs.
• Provide technical leadership and maintain currency of R&D activities.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Strong communication

Education

Degree in a relevant field

Tools

Pilot plant equipment

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Process Operator - Research and Development

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.

We believe nutritious food is essential to sustain people today, and for future generations to thrive, which is why we challenge ourselves to find new ways to bring our dairy goodness to people around the world. In Palmerston North at the Fonterra Research Development Centre (FRDC), we’ve been innovating in dairy for almost 100 years.

The FRDC is based in Palmerston North and home to a highly collegial team of scientists, technologists, and engineers – many of whom are the world’s leading experts in dairy science with a key purpose to deliver sustainable value through innovative product and technology development to derive the best value from NZ milk.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Process Operator to join our Pilot Plant team at the Fonterra Research and Development Centre (FRDC) in Palmerston North on a permanent basis, reporting to one of our Pilot Plant Managers.

As a Process Operator, you’ll operate assorted items of plant equipment in a dynamic and fast paced role.You will support the development of new products and/or technology through formulation, processing, and applications at pilot-plant scale, enabling scale up of processes to manufacturing sites.

In the research environment of our Pilot Plant, no two days are ever the same. Plants may operate in different configurations from day to day, and our team members may be working on one product today, but something quite different tomorrow. You will collaborate with our industry-renowned researchers in a cross-functional team environment and engage with a wide range of stakeholders, often adjusting to different working styles and approaches.

Key responsibilities include:

• Setting up, monitoring and operating manual and semi-automated production machinery
• Running machine diagnostics and problem solving
• Ensuring documentation is correct and complete, including all compliance and Food Safety and Quality records
• Engaging across business units and apply expertise across a range of disciplines
• Delivering new product development and business support outputs
• Providing technical leadership through breadth, depth, and currency of theoretical expertise
• Delivering timely, quality research outputs independently and through teams according to prioritised business needs
• Maintaining subject matter expertise and awareness of Fonterra’s R&D activities, manufacturing processes and customer applications.

You’ll be mechanically minded and self-motivated, with relevant industry experience or degree qualification. You must be willing to take a hands-on approach, own your work, and be a team player who enjoys engaging with a large cross functional team.

Some other key attributes will be:

• The ability to be part of project teams, providing technical and product guidance
• Confident and excellent communication skills to present to all levels of the business
• A willing-to-go-extra-mile attitude coupled with the ability to work independently and be part of complex cross-functional project teams
• A curious mindset and strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships and work effectively across teams
• Mechanical aptitude, problem-solving skills, and hands on experience ideally from within an FMCG / food manufacturing or relevant environment
• Be physically fit, capable of being on your feet and mobile each day.

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

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)
• Work-life balance options (flexible/hybrid working where possible)
• Employee recognition
• Support for community involvement and cultural connection

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.

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

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).

Even if you don't meet every requirement listed, we encourage you to apply; we value your potential and growth.

We ensure fair participation, allowing you to be at your best. Tātou, tātou.

Applications close at midnight on Thursday, 27th of August.