Quality Improvement Lead

About the role 

We are seeking a Quality Improvement Lead to join us on a 12-month fixed term contract to support quality and safety initiatives across our dairy manufacturing operations. You will work on projects covering food safety, quality improvements, hygiene, and process alignment.

You will lead projects independently, with knowledge of dairy manufacturing quality practices. 

Key responsibilities of this role include.. 

• Identifying and leading opportunities to improve product quality, reduce defects, and strengthen food safety controls across processing, packing, storage, and distribution.
• Managing changes for improvements or amendments to company-wide standards, ensuring alignment with internal policies, regulations, and industry best practice.
• Analysing quality incidents to identify root causes (e.g., out-of-spec results, contaminations, customer complaints) and driving effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Partnering with Operations, Quality, Laboratories, Technical, Maintenance, and Supply Chain teams to align improvement efforts.
• Working with site leadership to ensure improvements are practical, scalable, and sustainably implemented.
• Leading continuous quality and food safety improvement initiatives in compliance with the Animal Products Act 1999 and relevant MPI Infant Formula Notices.
• Applying risk-based quality improvement approaches, including trend analysis and proactive identification of emerging risks.
• Coaching and supporting teams in quality investigations, problem-solving, and continuous improvement methodologies.

About you 

The ideal candidate will be proactive, adaptable, and confident in driving projects independently, while fostering collaboration and engagement at all levels. We want someone who champions a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement, supports team development, and can communicate effectively with both site teams and senior leadership.

Skills and Experience  

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and attributes:  

• 3–5 years’ work experience in dairy manufacturing, infant formula, or FMCG environments.
• Degree in Food Technology, Engineering, or Science.
• Experience in leading continuous improvement initiatives and applying tools such as IWS.
• Experience leading and implementing changes in a technical or operational environment.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of powder manufacturing or food safety regulations is advantageous.
• Relevant qualifications in dairy processing such as a Dairy Diploma are advantageous.
• Ability to influence, manage, and gain cooperation across multiple business units.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Proven knowledge of food safety, quality, and HACCP systems.
• Understanding of hygiene practices and industrial/personal safety behaviours.
• Strong computer skills, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to coach and develop teams in quality investigations and continuous improvement.

About us – The Synlait Spirit 

Synlait is more than a global leader in milk nutrition – we're a purpose-led team that’s Doing Milk Differently For A Healthier World. Our Synlait Spirit guides everything we do, from how we show up each day to the impact we create together. You’ll be joining an authentic, down-to-earth team that lives the three values that underpin the Synlait Spirit. 

Be The Difference means we understand before we act – that means asking why, supporting each other to think differently, stay curious, and continuously look for smarter ways to deliver value. Whether it’s in the paddock, the plant or the boardroom, we’re driven by impact and inspired to make a meaningful difference every day. 

We Move as One by working together with respect, trust and a shared commitment to doing what’s right. We collaborate across teams to deliver innovative solutions and create opportunity for those around us. 

We feed the world’s most vulnerable, including newborn babies, so we have to be Right on the Mark. That means we take accountability seriously, act with courage and focus our energy on what matters most. We combine expert farming and state of the art processing to deliver high quality nutritional products to all over the world. 

At Synlait you’ll be challenged and supported to grow. We know everyone brings something unique to the table so we’re an inclusive workplace, where diverse perspectives fuel innovation and success. 

What we offer:

• Health insurance cover & partnered with top brands for great benefits and discounts
• Excellent parental leave with our Matua policy
• B Corp^TM certified 
• Social Club membership opportunities 

What's next? Apply now!

Include your most recent CV and cover letter summarising your abilities and what you can bring to Synlait. We wish you the best of luck in your application. We encourage you to apply early as we will be reviewing applications regularly and may close the advertisement early. 

Together we will continue to create a workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute their best.

Applicants outside of New Zealand will only be considered if you have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand.   

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