Packaging Lead

About the roleAs our Packaging Lead, you'll play a critical role in driving technical excellence across our business. You'll lead packaging projects that improve quality, efficiency, sustainability and customer outcomes while partnering with teams across engineering, production quality and procurement.

From introducing new primary packaging solutions and qualifying suppliers to commissioning equipment changes, optimising existing formats and supporting day-to-day packaging improvements, you'll be at the centre of delivering innovative, fit-for-purpose packaging solutions.

What you’ll do

• Lead complex packaging projects including capital investments, asset builds, packaging innovation and process optimisation initiatives.
• Provide technical leadership on packaging solutions from materials and specifications through to supplier selection, validation, commissioning and operational handover.
• Source, evaluate and qualify new packaging formats and suppliers, ensuring solutions meet quality, regulatory, sustainability and manufacturing requirements.
• Support packaging changes across areas such as primary packaging, equipment modifications, artwork updates, labelling, coding and pack optimisation.
• Drive risk assessments, quality-by-design principles and compliance requirements to ensure successful first-time-right implementation.
• Partner with suppliers, equipment providers and internal teams to troubleshoot issues and improve packaging performance.
• Mentor and support the Packaging team by sharing technical knowledge, building capability and promoting a strong learning culture.
• Identify opportunities to reduce cost, improve efficiency, minimise waste and deliver sustainable packaging outcomes.
• Provide packaging expertise to support customer projects, business growth opportunities and new product development.

About you

We’re looking for a packaging professional who can bring strong technical knowledge, practical problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively across a complex manufacturing environment.

Whether you’ve built your career leading complex packaging projects or have strong hands-on packaging experience and are ready to take the next step, we’re looking for someone who enjoys solving packaging challenges, collaborating with others and delivering practical solutions that support our manufacturing operations and customers.

You’ll ideally bring:

• Previous packaging experience within dairy, FMCG, food manufacturing, pharmaceutical, aseptic or other highly regulated environments.
• A tertiary qualification in Packaging, Food Science, Engineering, Materials Science or a related discipline would be advantageous, however relevant industry experience will also be considered.
• Strong understanding of packaging materials, specifications, artwork, labelling, coding and packaging processes.
• Experience supporting packaging changes, new product introductions, equipment upgrades or improvement initiatives.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to assess risks, investigate issues and implement effective solutions.
• A proactive mindset with the ability to manage projects, prioritise competing demands and influence stakeholders.
• A passion for continuous improvement, innovation and finding better ways of doing things.

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?

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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