Innovation Technologist Open Country Dairy Ltd location Auckland.

Open Country is a New Zealand success story of growing from humble beginnings to become a serious player in the global dairy trade. Open Country is New Zealand’s second largest dairy manufacturer and the world’s second largest exporter of whole milk powder.

100% New Zealand owned and operated, the company produces and exports a range of premium-quality dairy ingredients for food, beverage, and nutritional applications to more than 50 markets around the world.

We are seeking a proactive and self-driven Innovation Technologist in our Highbrook office. This is a permanent full-time customer centric role where the key responsibilities would include liaise with customer’s R&D team, review customer’s specifications and implement actions from the specifications review to meet customer’s requirements.

Support NPD initiatives throughout the stage-gate management process. Manage specifications (finished products and ingredients) and product change controls. Engage with internal stakeholders and external labs on new test methods setup. Support innovation team in managing documents, non-routine product testing, and problem solve/ investigation activities related to product. Support cross-functional stakeholders on customer/market centric enquiries.

About you to be successful in this role the ideal candidate will need to have Bachelor’s degree in food science/food technology. 2-5 years’ work experience in a dairy company. Basic understanding of milk processing into milk powders, cheese & cream products.

Good understanding of CODEX, FSANZ and NZ dairy export regulations. Excellent communication, attention to detail, good analytical and problem-solving abilities. Self-motivated, adaptable, flexible, and able to perform in a highly agile environment.