Today dairy manufacturing is a sophisticated process carried out in modern high technology plants. Not only is the dairy manufacturing industry a leading edge user of technologies but it also maintains a world reputation for high standards of quality, customer service and food safety.

Manufacturing involves large milk processing facilities making a range of products (eg. cheese, milk powders, casein, alcohols, proteins). Other operations are involved with added value processing or the production of local market products like cultured foods, liquid milk and icecream.

Manufacturing sites range from large industrial complexes employing 700 plus employees to specialised operations employing less than 50 people.

Companies are situated throughout New Zealand and overseas so employment and promotional opportunities are very good. Because dairy manufacturing involves many different jobs there is both a wide choice in career paths and the capacity to change directions throughout your career.

Career opportunities include -

Operation Technologists:

Operators run plants to supply services like steam, electricity, water and also control the manufacture of a wide range of dairy based products.

Laboratory Technologists:

These are subject experts who often have degree or post graduate qualifications and who are either in managerial or technical support roles.

Computing Technicians:

These employees are involved in the support process for the production control and other on line information systems used in companies.

Quality Managers:

Quality assurance staff are responsible for coordinating and promoting quality systems and customer service developments. Quality improvement is central to the industry's long term strategic aims.

Human Resources:

Such staff are involved with staff recruitment, selection, training and development as well as general employee administration like wages, occupational health and safety, welfare and superannuation.

Management & Supervisory Staff:

These employees are responsible for all facets of the business operation. They run various aspects of the company operations and have a background in finance, management, human resources, quality and often technical skills in processing science, engineering and accounting.

Engineering, Automotive & Electrical Technicians:

These employees support and direct plant maintenance and service as well as the installation of the technology systems used in manufacturing plants.

Heavy Transport Operators:

Transport personnel are responsible for the collection of milk and its safe delivery to and between manufacturing sites.

Administration & Support Staff:

Such staff have a responsibility for a range of activities associated with communications, records, client and staff liaison.

All such positions offer prospects for personal development and promotion.

Qualifications

Depending on the job, employees should have appropriate skills and/or qualifications plus the right personal attributes and attitudes. For school leavers School Certificate or a National Certificate is a minimum and it is best to have 6th or 7th form levels in maths and science to allow for progression onto further qualifications (eg. Diploma Dairy Technology or National Diploma in Science).

For employees starting in more skilled positions there is a need for relevant skills such as a National Diploma or a degree. For more advanced positions the level of skill expected will be higher degrees or the like.

Our Staff

The dairy industry is proud of its international reputation and sees its staff as a key resource. As such training and career development is seen as an ongoing process for all employees.

Because we export without subsidies the industry must be highly competitive on price and quality. As such both technology and jobs are subject to constant change. This means industry staff enjoy challenging and rewarding careers - not only within a given company, but also between companies and even onto the industry's many overseas operations based in over fifty countries around the world.

An organisation is only as good as its people and the dairy industry wants to recruit and retain the very best staff.

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Links

Fonterra

Tatua Co-op

Westland Milk Products

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