Iconic dairy brands, exciting dairy future!  

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

To be known as Lactalis – Mainland Dairy, we’re looking for highly skilled and knowledgeable people who are energised by the opportunity under new ownership, a change that is expected for the first quarter of 2026 (pending sale completion) but starting as soon as the right person is identified and available.   

At Lactalis – Mainland Dairy, our passionate and talented team is committed to nurturing the future, unlocking new opportunities, and fostering innovation in nutrition and food.  Come join us and help shape a consumer-focused future to be proud of.  

About the Opportunity 

We have an exciting opportunity for a strong people leader to join our Milk Processing Plant in Takaanini, where you’ll lead, motivate, and inspire a high-performing team. Reporting to the Milk Process Plant Manager, you will:

• Deliver high-quality products safely and efficiently in line with the daily production schedule
• Lead, build and develop team capability
• Translate business goals into clear, actionable direction
• Embed Total Equipment Ownership (TEO) across the team
• Apply Current Best Approach (CBA) standards to drive operational excellence.

Please note, this role operates on a 3-2-2 roster, working 5pm – 5am. 

This is a great opportunity to collaborate with various stakeholders across the business and offers a fantastic learning & development culture.

About You 

We’re looking for a passionate leader who can connect with a diverse team and thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. You will be results-driven, with strong problem-solving and organisational skills, in addition to this you will bring:

• Experience in food manufacturing or supply chain, preferably in FMCG
• Proven leadership capabilities, including coaching and Health & Safety leadership
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills across varied audiences
• Tech-savviness and solid computer skills (SAP, Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Familiarity with IWS, continuous improvement and TPM methodologies.   

For more details, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the supporting Talent Acquisition Partner- lorna.denton@fonterra.com  

Be Part of Dairy’s Future 

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. 

Based at our Takaanini site in Auckland, we operate three manufacturing plants - Beverages, Food and UHT, producing approximately 240,000 metric tonnes annually. Our product portfolio includes Fresh and UHT milk & creams, yoghurt, custard, cottage cheese, sour cream and cream cheese, manufactured for iconic brands such as Anchor, Fresh’n Fruity, De Winkel, Country Goodness and Kāpiti.

This role offers excellent career development and internal mobility pathways as well as shift patterns that offer excellent work life balance.  

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 and social backgrounds. Our team is dedicated to supporting your professional development and personal wellbeing.  

We look forward to the possibility of you joining our inclusive team. 

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