Skip to content

L5a Operator - Processing, Te Awamutu

Job Name
L5a Operator - Processing, Te Awamutu

General Information

Date Published
01-Oct-2025
Advertising Ends
15-Oct-2025
ID#
13326
Role Type
Manufacturing
Work Type
Permanent Full-Time
Workplace Type
On-site
Country
New Zealand
Location
Taupo & Southern Waikato

Position Description

Our Co-operative

Ata whakaarohia tō āpōpō | Imagine Tomorrow with Us
At Te Mātāpuna Fonterra, 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.

He kupu mō mātou | About us
Our Te Awamutu site has a long-established history of milk powder, butter and AMF manufacturing. 
In September 2020 our Te Awamutu site transitioned away from coal to be powered solely on wood pellets. Once completed, it will reduce our national coal consumption by almost 10%, saving more than 84,000 tonnes of carbon emissions per year (equivalent to taking 32,000 cars off the road).


Mō tēnei tūranga | About the Opportunity
We are looking for a motivated and experienced L5a Operator to join the team at our Te Awamutu site on a permanent basis. This is a fantastic opportunity if you are serious about advancing your career and keen to be part of a highly engaged team.

You’ll have plenty of variety in this role, from running Evaporators and Milk powder Dryers, live problem solving and quality control as well as ensuring our plant and equipment is clean. Your positive attitude along with your attention to detail and previous experience in these areas will see you succeed in this role.

Key responsibilities and elements of the role include:
  • Assist plant operators with day-to-day processes and provide cover where required
  • Ensure completion of regular compliance activities and documentation to a high level
  • Maintain good housekeeping of processing environments
  • Promote and maintain a strong health and safety culture
  • Adhere to the RTT principals and utilise these tools to continuously improve the process
  • A solution focused mindset

 Mōu | About You
You will be working as part of a dedicated and high performing team and will need to have a strong focus on health and safety. Whilst a sound mechanical aptitude is a pivotal aspect of this role, other ideal skills include:
  • Sound planning and problem-solving skills
  • Strong attention to detail and teamwork ability
  • Self-motivated with good time management skills
  • Solid knowledge and understanding of the Evaporation and Drying processes.
  • Good communication skills
  • Being physically fit, as some manual lifting is required up to 25kgs
  • Previous experience in operating Evaporators and Dryers in a milk powder process

Ngā Aura | Our Values 
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

Tā mātou oati | Our Commitment to You 
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

Ngā Mahi | A Career of Opportunities
At Te Mātāpuna 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.

Tātou Tātou | Join Us
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.

He Wāhi mō te Katoa | Together, we're shaping a future of inclusion.
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 Wednesday 15th October 2025.

#LI-JF1 #LI-JW