Mainland Dairy

Iconic dairy brands, exciting dairy future!

Mainland Dairy is entering a bold, new chapter. Evolving from our roots with Fonterra, we are set to become a part of the Lactalis Group, the world’s largest dairy company known for its firm belief in the future of dairy and rapid, consumer-driven growth.

We’re looking for highly skilled and knowledgeable people who are energised by the opportunity, a change that is slated for the first quarter of 2026 (pending sale completion) but starting as soon as the right candidate is identified and available.

At Mainland Dairy, we believe that from Goodness comes Greatness, and we’re excited by our future. Come join us and help shape a consumer-focused future to be proud of.

About Us

Located in northern Tasmania, our Spreyton site is a key part of Fonterra’s Australian operations. The site produces a range of high-quality dairy products for domestic and export markets, including milk powders and premium butter. With a strong focus on quality, safety, and sustainability, Spreyton plays an important role in transforming milk from local farmers into nutritious products trusted around the world.

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Production Manager to lead our production team at our Spreyton site. This role is critical to the success of our operations, ensuring that our products meet the highest quality standards and are produced efficiently and safely. You will play a key role in embedding Lean Manufacturing principles (we use Integrated Work Systems – IWS) to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement across the site. Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, manage, and develop the production team to achieve operational excellence.
• Ensure all production activities comply with Fonterra’s quality, safety, and environmental standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing principles to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and improve overall efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Quality Assurance, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless production processes.
• Monitor production metrics and implement corrective actions as necessary to achieve performance targets.
• Manage budget and resources effectively to meet production goals and financial targets.
• Foster a positive and inclusive team culture, promoting open communication, employee engagement, and capability building.

About You

We are seeking a strong people leader with a proven ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams. You’ll bring a solid background in a similar food or FMCG manufacturing environment, with experience managing complex production operations and driving continuous improvement. Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing methodologies (such as IWS) will be highly regarded. This role requires someone who can balance strategic thinking with hands-on leadership, ensuring operational excellence while fostering a positive team culture.

• Demonstrated and proven success leading a production team within the food or dairy industry (desirable, but open minded).
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with a focus on team development, coaching, and employee engagement.
• Excellent understanding of production processes, quality control, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing principles and driving continuous improvement.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to operate strategically and to put agreed plans into action.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Prior P&L and budget management experience.

Great people continue to power this business forward. Our people thrive within a positive working environment, a collaborative and caring culture and leadership that continues to inspire.  

We believe in you bringing your best and most authentic self to work and we want you to succeed in a way that allows you to win, in every aspect of your life. We strongly encourage applications from First Nations people, as well as individuals of diverse cultural, linguistic, and social backgrounds. Our team is dedicated to supporting your professional development and personal wellbeing.  

We welcome your application and look forward to the possibility of you joining our inclusive team. 

Please note that applicants must have full working rights and we are not accepting submissions via recruitment agencies.  

Let’s make this your best move yet. Apply now!