Internal Audit Specialist

Role overview

Synlait Milk Limited is hiring two experienced Internal Audit Specialists to join its Quality team in Dunsandel. The role focuses on running the internal audit programme across manufacturing, warehousing, supply chain, and quality operations, while ensuring the site meets global customer expectations and regulatory obligations.

You will work closely with teams across the business to improve audit preparedness, uncover opportunities to strengthen systems, and support better compliance and quality outcomes across the site.

What you will do

• Organise, plan, and deliver the yearly internal audit schedule across site functions.
• Carry out scheduled, risk-led, and unplanned audits to check alignment with internal and external standards.
• Help maintain compliance for customer, regulatory, and certification audits, including FSSC, Halal, Kosher, and export-market requirements.
• Complete desktop assessments, prepare audit materials, and engage relevant stakeholders ahead of audits.
• Spot non-conformances, new risks, and improvement areas related to food safety and quality management.
• Write concise audit reports and share findings with stakeholders and leadership.
• Manage corrective and preventive actions through to closure.
• Review audit results and trends to support continuous improvement work.
• Work alongside teams in manufacturing, supply chain, technical, laboratory, maintenance, and quality.
• Coach colleagues on GMP, HACCP, compliance expectations, and readiness for audits.
• Keep auditing activities independent, objective, and professionally grounded.

What you bring

You should be an experienced auditor or quality professional from dairy or food manufacturing, with solid knowledge of food safety, HACCP, and compliance systems.

This role suits someone who is highly organised, communicates well, and can juggle multiple priorities while building strong working relationships at every level. A practical, risk-aware mindset and a collaborative style are important, along with a genuine interest in driving improvement and compliance.

Experience and qualifications

• At least 4 years of experience in dairy or food manufacturing.
• Prior internal auditing experience in a regulated environment.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Food Technology, Science, Engineering, or a similar field is preferred.
• Strong understanding of food safety, HACCP, and quality systems.
• Lead auditor training or equivalent hands-on auditing experience is preferred.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and report-writing skills.
• Strong organisation skills with the ability to manage several priorities at once.
• Experience with export or international regulatory standards is an advantage.

About Synlait

Synlait is a purpose-led company focused on doing milk differently for a healthier world. The team works with a practical, collaborative, and values-driven approach, aiming to create meaningful impact through quality products and responsible operations.

The company’s values emphasise curiosity and smarter thinking, teamwork built on respect and trust, and a strong sense of accountability and focus on what matters most. Synlait also promotes an inclusive environment where different perspectives are welcomed and supported.

Benefits

• Health insurance cover, plus access to partner-brand discounts and benefits.
• Enhanced parental leave through the Matua policy.
• B Corp certified workplace.
• Opportunity to join the Social Club.

Application information

Applicants should submit a current CV and a cover letter that explains their experience and what they would contribute to Synlait. Applications may be reviewed as they come in, so the role could close early.

Only candidates who have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand will be considered if they are based outside the country.