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Paneer Production Operator Dairyland Foods Limited – Pukete, Hamilton
Full-time, permanent · Monday to Friday, day shift · $25–$30 per hour depending on experience

Make paneer that ends up in kitchens across New Zealand

Dairyland Foods is a family-owned Hamilton dairy manufacturer. Since 2018, we have made pure dairy products from fresh Waikato milk, supplied to retail, wholesale and foodservice customers nationwide.

Paneer is a core and growing part of our business. We are looking for a hands-on Paneer Production Operator to join our small production team and make consistent, high-quality paneer every batch.

What you'll do

  • Run daily paneer production: milk standardisation, heating, acid coagulation, draining, pressing, cooling, cutting and packing

  • Follow our recipes and SOPs to hit target texture, moisture and yield on every batch

  • Complete batch, CCP and temperature records accurately

  • Clean and sanitise equipment and the production area (CIP and manual)

  • Work to the daily plan set by the Production Supervisor, and help in other production areas when needed

  • Report quality issues early and suggest improvements

What you'll bring

  • At least 1 year's experience in commercial paneer, fresh cheese or dairy production

  • An understanding of how temperature, acid and pressing affect paneer texture

  • Food safety awareness; experience under a Food Control Plan or HACCP system is a plus

  • Reliable, careful and comfortable following procedures

  • English good enough to follow SOPs and complete production records

  • Physically fit for wet, chilled and hot production work, including lifting

  • The right to work in New Zealand

Nice to have

  • NZ Certificate in Dairy Processing (Level 3 or 4)

  • Experience with brined or pressed cheeses such as halloumi or feta

  • Forklift licence

What we offer

  • $25–$30 per hour depending on experience, Monday to Friday day shift

  • A role in a small team where good ideas are acted on quickly

  • The chance to grow with a business expanding its supermarket and foodservice presence

How to apply

Apply with your CV and a short cover letter telling us about your paneer experience: the volumes you have produced, the equipment you have used and the yields you achieved. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a site visit and a practical production trial.