Operational Technology Lead
Welcome to Suntory Oceania | Nau mai ki Suntory Oceania
Craft your future with Suntory Oceania, a new $3b multi-beverage partnership between Suntory Global Spirits and Suntory Beverage & Food. Underpinned by quality, craftsmanship and a strong sense of purpose, our exciting new partnership will be powered by two manufacturing sites, five distribution centres and more than 1500 Suntorians across Australia and Aotearoa.
Our market-leading portfolio will have over 40 brands, including Jim Beam® and Maker's Mark® Bourbon, Hibiki® Japanese Whisky, Canadian Club® Whisky, -196, V Energy, Maximus, and Suntory BOSS Coffee. As One Suntory, we will be positioned as the fourth largest beverage player in the region, ready to ignite the category, creating more beverage moments from sunrise to sunset. Together, we will bring the best of Suntory to Oceania.
What is the opportunity? | He aha te kōwhiringa?
We’re looking for an Operational Technology Lead to take accountability for the safe, reliable and scalable delivery of operational technology across our manufacturing and supply chain operations.
Reporting to the Capital Works & Technology Director, this role is responsible for translating enterprise and supply chain strategy into practical, future‑ready solutions across automation, control systems, MES, data platforms and integration layers.
Based in Wiri (NZ) or Swanbank (AU), you’ll work closely with Operations, Engineering, Digital & IT, Capital Projects and external partners to enable operational performance, compliance and long‑term capability across our sites. Travel will be required to sites.
About you | Nō hea koe
You’re a collaborative and pragmatic technology leader who enjoys being close to operations and understands the critical role OT plays in safety, quality and performance.
You don’t need to tick every box to apply — we value diverse career journeys, transferable skills and different ways of thinking. What matters most is your ability to lead with purpose, build strong relationships and deliver outcomes in complex industrial environments.
You’ll bring:
- Experience delivering and supporting operational technology solutions in manufacturing or industrial settings
- Strong working knowledge of automation, PLCs, SCADA, MES, historians and OT networks
- Confidence leading OT scope across capital projects, from concept through commissioning and handover
- A proactive approach to cybersecurity, risk, safety and compliance
- The ability to lead, coach and grow OT capability, fostering a safety‑first and inclusive culture
- Well‑developed stakeholder engagement and problem‑solving skills
If you’ve worked across multi‑site operations, beverage or FMCG environments, or have exposure to OT cybersecurity standards (IEC / ISA), that’s a bonus — but not essential.
If you’re not an expert in all of these areas, don’t worry! A lot of what we look for is how you would align with our values and your ability to utilise your unique skills and experience.
What’s in it for you? I He aha te mea e whiwhi ai koe?
- Grow your career – we like to promote from within and have incredible learning and development opportunities around the world
- Generous incentive to reward your hard work
- An inclusive parental leave policy for both primary and secondary caregivers
- Gradual return to work to help you transition back from parental leave
- Flexible working – flexible hours and hybrid working
- Free parking on site
- We are committed to giving back to our communities, so we provide you with volunteer leave to do so
Our DEI Commitment
At Suntory, we recognise that diverse knowledge, perspectives, and backgrounds contribute to our collective success. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals can bring their whole selves to work every day, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or any other protected characteristic.
Our recruitment and selection processes are designed to highlight what Suntory offers as an employer while allowing candidates to share their unique skills and experiences. We understand that career trajectories vary, and if you believe your experience/background can benefit our team, we encourage you to apply. We endeavour to make our interview process as inclusive as possible and offer reasonable accommodations as needed. Together, we can cultivate a workplace where everyone can thrive and propel our mission of Growing for Good.
Apply Now! | Me Tono Ināianei!
Join us and help shape the future of operational technology at Suntory Oceania — Growing for Good, together.