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L5a Senior Operator - Processing

Job Name
Senior Operator - Processing

General Information

Date Published
29-Oct-2025
Advertising Ends
09-Nov-2025
ID#
13913
Role Type
Manufacturing
Work Type
Permanent Full-Time
Workplace Type
On-site
Country
New Zealand
Location
Hamilton & North 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 Hautapu site is in the heart of the Waikato and has been a leader in dairy manufacturing for more than 130 years.  It's our headquarters for our protein and cheese technical teams and specialises in producing high value products such as casein,, whey protein concentrate, hydrolysate, lactoferrin and milk protein concentrate as well as a wide range of cheeses including Organic, Colby, Edam, Gouda, Noble and Egmont.

Mō tēnei tūranga | About the Opportunity
We are looking for an experienced operator who is self-motivated and keen to develop their career to join our highly engaged team on a permanent basis in our protein department.

You'll have plenty of variety from running diagnostics and problem solving to keep an eye on quality control and ensuring our plant and equipment is lean.

Your great attitude along with your attention to detail and mechanical aptitude will see you succeed in this role.

Key responsibilities include:
  • Assisting plant operators with day-to-day processes.
  • Ensuring completion of compliance activities and documentation.
  • Maintaining good housekeeping of processing environments.
  • Promoting and maintaining a strong health and safety culture.
This is a rostered shift position of four on (2 days, 2 nights) and four off.        
  
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.  While a sound mechanical aptitude is a pivotal aspect of this role, other skills include:
  • Sound planning and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong attention to detail and team work ability.
  • Self-motivated with good time management skills.
  • Ability to work in a hygienic environment.
  • Good communication skills.
  • Be physically fit, as some manual lifting is required up to 25kgs.
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 09 November 2025