Process Technologist, Maungaturoto

Fonterra; Whangarei; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Fonterra Maungaturoto site in Northland, NZ is seeking a Process Technologist to join the regional UNI Team. You will provide specialist technical support across our manufacturing network, partnering with operations, engineering and production teams to optimise plant performance and deliver practical improvements.

This role offers exposure to dairy processing, process development and continuous improvement projects, with a focus on yield, quality and cost performance across sites.

Qualifications

• Experience in food manufacturing or dairy processing.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support across manufacturing sites.
• Diagnose and resolve process issues.
• Identify and implement process improvement opportunities.
• Support site, regional and national improvement projects.
• Participate in product trials and technology implementation.
• Collaborate with operations to drive continuous improvement.
• Build capability and share knowledge across teams.

Skills

Dairy processing

Problem solving

Engineering background

Stakeholder comms

Education

Tertiary qualification in Food Technology, Engineering, Science or related discipline

Tools

Process control systems

Data analysis tools

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

Established in 1902, our Maungatūroto site is one of Fonterra’s oldest manufacturing sites and plays an important role in our Northland operations. Processing up to 2 million litres of milk per day during peak season, the site manufactures a range of products including whole milk powder, buttermilk powder, whey powder and rennet casein for customers around the world.

With five manufacturing plants and an on‑site packing facility, Maungatūroto exports the majority of its products to markets across China, Southeast Asia and the Americas. The site is also recognised for its commitment to sustainability, recovering up to 700,000 litres of water per day through its award‑winning wetland water recovery system.

About the Opportunity | Mō tēnei tūranga

We have an exciting opportunity for a Process Technologist to join our Maungaturoto site. As part of a regional technical team, you'll provide specialist technical support across our manufacturing network, partnering closely with operations, engineering and production teams to optimise plant performance, solve technical challenges, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

This is a varied and rewarding role where you'll apply your technical expertise to support manufacturing excellence while contributing to projects that deliver real value for the Co‑op. You'll work across a range of process improvement, troubleshooting, product quality, and operational optimisation activities, helping sites achieve improvements in productivity, yield, quality and cost performance.

As part of the regional Process Technical UNI Team, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across multiple sites while developing broad exposure to dairy manufacturing, process innovation and technical project delivery.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Providing technical support and advice to manufacturing sites and key stakeholders.
• Diagnosing and resolving process issues to support stable and efficient plant performance.
• Identifying and implementing opportunities to improve quality, yield, productivity and cost performance.
• Supporting and delivering site, regional and national improvement projects.
• Participating in product trials, process development activities and technology implementation.
• Working closely with operational teams to identify and drive continuous improvement opportunities.
• Building capability and sharing technical knowledge across manufacturing teams.

About You | Mōu

We're looking for a curious, technically minded problem solver who enjoys working alongside operational teams to deliver practical solutions and continuous improvement outcomes. You thrive in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment, enjoy digging into data and processes, and have a genuine passion for improving plant performance.

You'll be a strong communicator with the ability to build relationships across a broad range of stakeholders, influencing positive outcomes through collaboration and technical expertise. Equally comfortable supporting day‑to‑day operational challenges or contributing to larger improvement projects, you'll bring a proactive mindset and a drive to make a difference.

To Be Successful In This Role, You’ll Bring

• Experience within food manufacturing, dairy processing, engineering or a related technical environment.
• Strong technical troubleshooting and structured problem‑solving capability.
• Experience identifying and implementing process improvement opportunities.
• The ability to balance competing priorities.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• A tertiary qualification in Food Technology, Engineering, Science or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• A passion for learning, continuous improvement and developing your technical expertise.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to grow their technical career while working in a collaborative regional team that directly impacts manufacturing performance across Fonterra’s UNI network.

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).

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

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 Tuesday 15th September 2026.