Process Operator - Research & Development
Posted on Feb. 5, 2026 by Fonterra
- Northfield, New Zealand
- N/A
- Full Time
Process Operator
General Information
Date Published
05-Feb-2026
Advertising Ends
19-Feb-2026
ID#
14417
Role Type
Science & Technology
Work Type
Permanent Full-Time
Workplace Type
On-site
Country
New Zealand
Location
Manawatu
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
We believe nutritious food is essential to sustain people today, and for future generations to thrive, which is why we challenge ourselves to find new ways to bring our dairy goodness to people around the world. In Palmerston North at the Fonterra Research Development Centre (FRDC), we’ve been innovating in dairy for almost 100 years.
The FRDC is based in Palmerston North and home to a highly collegial team of scientists, technologists, and engineers – many of whom are the world’s leading experts in dairy science with a key purpose to deliver sustainable value through innovative product and technology development to derive the best value from NZ milk.
Mō tēnei tūranga | About the Opportunity
This role will be based in the Pilot Plant at the Fonterra Research and Development Centre (FRDC) in Palmerston North on a permanent basis, reporting to one of our Pilot Plant Managers.
As a Process Operator, you’ll be part of a team that plan and execute research trials, take ownership of the day-to-day management of equipment and processes, and support the long-term development of pilot plant capabilities. Being part of a fast-paced research environment, you will find the role is varied and challenging. You will need to use your processing knowledge and ability to connect with experts withing Fonterra’s R&D network to deliver high quality outcomes. You will support the development of new products and/or technology through formulation, processing, and applications at pilot-plant scale, enabling scale up of processes to manufacturing sites.
In the research environment of our Pilot Plant, you will be called on to develop operational excellence and be given the opportunity to grow your processing and dairy knowledge. You will collaborate with our industry-renowned researchers in a cross-functional team environment and engage with a wide range of stakeholders, often adjusting to different working styles and approaches.
Key responsibilities include:
- Planning trials alongside research teams and ensuring trials are fit for purpose, safe and executable.
- Setting up, monitoring and operating pilot production machinery to deliver processing research and product development outcomes.
- Running machine diagnostics and problem solving
- Ensuring documentation is correct and complete
- Engaging across business units and apply expertise across a range of disciplines
- Providing processing and/or process engineering leadership through breadth, depth, and currency of theoretical expertise
- Proposing and supporting capital investments including new equipment and processes to enhance Fonterra’s R&D capabilities. Maintaining subject matter expertise and awareness of Fonterra’s R&D activities, manufacturing processes and customer applications
Mōu | About You
You’ll be mechanically minded and self-motivated, with degree qualification or relevant industry experience. You must be willing to take a hands-on approach, own your work, and be a team player who enjoys engaging with a large cross functional team.
Some other key attributes will be:
- Open to challenge and career development
- The ability to be part of project teams, providing technical and product guidance
- Confident and excellent communication skills to present to all levels of the business
- A willing-to-go-extra-mile attitude coupled with the ability to work independently and be part of complex cross-functional project teams
- Mechanical aptitude, problem-solving skills, and hands on experience ideally from within an FMCG / food manufacturing or relevant environment Be physically fit with the ability to stand and remain on your feet throughout the workday
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
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 Thursday, 19th of February
Advertised until:
March 7, 2026
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