Senior Food Technologist

The a2 Milk Company; Pokeno; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading dairy firm in Pokeno is seeking a Senior Food Technologist to drive innovative product development within a high-growth global company. This role focuses on leading projects from trials to full-scale production while collaborating with key teams. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Food Technology or similar and 3+ years' experience in product development, particularly in the dairy industry. Benefits include a supportive team culture and onsite meal provisions.

Benefits

Supportive team culture

Free breakfast and lunch

Subsidised gym membership

Social club

Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years' experience in the Infant Milk Formula or dairy industry.
• Experience leading technical trials across all stages of product development.
• Mandarin language skills are an advantage but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead new product development and reformulation initiatives.
• Manage technical trials from benchtop to full plant scale.
• Develop and maintain technical files including specifications.

Skills

Product development

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Collaborative teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

Degree in Food Technology, Engineering, Biochemistry, or Nutrition

Tools

Wet processing expertise

Spray drying experience

Formulation techniques

Job description

Drive end-to-end product development in a global dairy business. Deliver innovation, trials, and technical excellence in a high-growth company.

Position Description

Our Story:
We’re excited to share that our business has recently joined the a2 Milk Company family. Formerly known as Yashili Dairy NZ Ltd, we are now operating as a2 Nutritionals NZ Limited, based in Pokeno.

The a2 Milk Company, driven by science and a pioneering spirit, disrupted the dairy and infant milk formula industry. Our vision is to create an A1-free world where dairy nourishes all people and our planet. The a2 Milk Company seeks to achieve this through the naturally occurring a2 Milk difference and by bringing a more sustainable approach to dairy.

Your Role:
At The a2 Milk Company, we believe in doing dairy differently. Our unique brand is built on care – for our customers, our farmers and the quality of every drop we produce. As we continue to grow, we’re looking for a Senior Food Technologist to join our New Zealand-based team and support the development of innovative, high-quality products that meet the needs of our global markets.

Reporting to the Head of PD & Technical and based at our Pokeno site, you will lead product development projects from bench-top trials through to full-scale production. You will play a vital role in formulation, technical documentation, and cross-functional collaboration, ensuring project milestones are met and products are delivered with excellence.

More Specifically, You Will Be Involved In:
• Leading new product development and reformulation initiatives from concept to commercialisation
• Managing technical trials, from benchtop and pilot plant to full plant-scale trials
• Developing and maintaining technical files including specifications, BoMs, and QA documentation
• Collaborating with procurement, production, and quality teams to align product specs and processes
• Supporting supplier qualification and raw material evaluations
• Coordinating project timelines and delivering on key product development milestones
• Identifying process improvements to enhance product quality and operational efficiency
• Staying up to date with scientific developments and food technology trends

What You Will Bring:
• A degree in Food Technology, Engineering, Biochemistry, Nutrition or related discipline
• Minimum 3+ years' experience in product development in the Infant Milk Formula or dairy industry
• Expertise in wet processing, spray drying, dry blending, and formulation scale-up
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with an ability to deliver practical, technical outcomes
• Experience leading technical trials across all stages of product development
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and comfortable working cross-functionally
• Mandarin language skills are an advantage but not essential

What we offer

• A supportive team culture with learning and development opportunities
• Free breakfast and lunch provided in our onsite cafeteria
• Subsidised gym membership
• Social club

Apply now

If this sounds like you, please submit your CV. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a phone screening.