Process Manager / Senior Process Manager

About the Company

We are a global leader in supplying premium food and beverage ingredients, collaborating with farming communities globally to cultivate, source, and manufacture ingredients that benefit consumers, farmers, and the environment. Our product range includes cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts, and spices, often originating from our own farms or sourced from hundreds of thousands of farmers in over 50 countries. Our extensive manufacturing and innovation capabilities enable us to provide ingredients for various products such as plant-based latte mixes, almond snacks, and dairy-free ice cream. Our purpose centers on fostering positive impact for people and the planet, ensuring transparency and quality by maintaining close relationships with farmers in the regions where our ingredients are grown.

Our dairy operations include a supply chain spanning 25 countries across six continents, sourcing raw milk from an estimated 300,000 cows. We work with numerous manufacturers and suppliers across North America, South America, Europe, and Oceania. Our dairy production facilities include one in Johor, Malaysia, focusing on filled milk powder and blended ingredients as well as dairy innovation, and a second in Tokoroa, New Zealand, partnering with over 100 local dairy farms.

Role Overview

The Process Manager or Senior Process Manager, reporting directly to the Site Manager, will lead and support the entire processing operation at the Tokoroa site. The position is central to the New Zealand Dairy value-added program, serving as the principal technical liaison for Tier 1 customers. The role focuses on continuous operational improvement, maximizing asset performance, developing team capabilities, and achieving key manufacturing performance indicators aligned with company strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and manage critical process recipes that determine the desired functional characteristics of products.
• Direct and propose capital projects and process adjustments (SOPs) to optimize throughput, yields, and production timelines while consistently producing the highest quality products and allowing flexibility in product mix.
• Develop distinctive process profiles and controls that guarantee functional properties as defined by customers.
• Serve as the primary interface with customers, translating their precise requirements into operational excellence.
• Share operational best practices within the broader manufacturing network, including dairy and non-dairy sectors.
• Foster strong collaboration with the global product innovation team.
• Lead product trial initiatives and commercialization efforts.
• Contribute to customer onboarding and product qualification activities.
• Maintain ownership of operational relationships with major strategic customers, managing the full value chain engagement.
• Oversee accurate execution of production plans supplied by the Supply Chain team.
• Partner with HR to develop and implement training programs.
• Regularly update and maintain Standard Operating Procedures, initiating new SOPs as required, particularly during periods of growth.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering, Food Technology, Science, or closely related disciplines.
• Over 10 years of leadership experience in manufacturing or processing environments, with a minimum of 5 years specifically in Milk Protein Concentrate (MPC) production.
• Proficient in process improvement, particularly with membrane and advanced filtration technologies.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities including team development and engagement.
• Strong knowledge of food processing operations and quality control systems.
• Exceptional communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Solid understanding of Safety Management Systems and a commitment to working safely, proactively resolving safety issues.
• Experience using SAP or other ERP systems.
• Prior experience within the dairy industry is highly desirable.
• Project management experience is considered advantageous.
• Must be willing and able to work onsite at the Tokoroa production facility in New Zealand.

Additional Information

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity. All qualified candidates will be assessed without discrimination based on race, ethnicity, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any legally protected status.

Applicants should submit a complete application including a resume to be considered for this position.