2IC - Spray Drying

Based in Hamilton, Dairy Goat Co-operative is a manufacturer, developer, and exporter of premium, niche, consumer-packaged nutritional powders. It is one of the region's leading exporters, serving international markets via its marketing partners and joint venture relationships. The markets are located primarily in Asia and Europe.

At DGC, we manufacture exceptionally high-quality and well-regarded infant formulas, feeding babies and supporting families all over the world.

About the role:

As Second in Charge (2IC), you’ll play a critical role in the efficient day‑to‑day operation of the Drying Plant. You’ll In this role, you’ll support your shift team operationally to ensure high-quality infant formulas are manufactured efficiently and delivered against production KPI’s as well as meeting food safety requirements.

You’ll step in as Team Leader when required, leading shifts during absences or periods when the Team Leader is engaged in other duties. From time to time, this may include providing continuous cover for up to two months.

This is a hands-on leadership role suited to someone who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and enjoys balancing people leadership with technical and operational excellence.

About the responsibilities:

• Ensuring high-quality goods are produced in the DGC Drying plant/s according to SOPs.
• Meeting product mix requirements, following formulations.
• Supporting shift team to align daily plant operations and resources to achieve production targets.
• Working effectively and communicating within and across shifts as well as other departments.
• Conducting plant changeovers within target timeframes.
• Providing relief to cover other roles as requested.
• Ensuring all systems and procedures are followed and all documentation completed.
• Escalating plant performance concerns appropriately.
• Supervising the achievement of all shift-based KPI’s.
• Reporting and interpreting plant performance data.
• Process improvements are identified and recommended to appropriate Team Leaders.
• Ensuring that very high levels of plant hygiene are achieved at all times and that housekeeping activities are undertaken promptly.
• Complete all assigned personal and professional development training.
• The role involves a 4x4 roster, including day and night shifts.

Key skills and experiences:

• Experience working with quality systems and continuous improvement frameworks.
• Background in nutritional products or infant formula (preferred).
• Previous experience in spray drying operations – highly regarded.
• Proven people leadership and supervisory capability.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Flexible, adaptable, and calm under pressure.
• Mechanical or technical aptitude within a manufacturing environment.

About the Benefits:

• Progressive and forward-thinking organisation.
• Competitive market salary.
• Discretionary bonus.
• Employee Benefit Insurances.
• Equal opportunities employer.
• Diverse and multicultural workforce.

If you have dairy industry experience and are ready to step up in a world-class export organisation, we’d love to hear from you—or feel free to share this opportunity with someone who might be a great fit.

To find out more, please get in touch with Sam Martch on 021 229 5793 for a confidential chat.

Applications for this vacancy will close on 17 August 2026, but we may start interviewing before then.

Please note applications are directed through our Applicant Tracking System called ELMO.