Wilmar Sugar Australia is part of Wilmar International, a leading global agribusiness with around 100,000 employees working across more than 30 countries and regions.
Across Australia and New Zealand, we operate two major business units, Sugar & Renewables and Sweeteners, employing 2,400+ people during peak/ seasonal operations with corporate offices in Melbourne, Brisbane, Townsville and Auckland.
As Australia’s largest raw sugar manufacturer and a top 10 global producer, Wilmar Sugar & Renewables runs eight sugar mills across North Queensland. We are also one of the nation’s largest generators of renewable electricity from biomass, a major producer of bioethanol, the largest sugarcane grower, and a key supplier of sustainable fertiliser and stockfeed.
About the Role:
As an Operations Engineer at our Sarina facility, you will play a key senior role in supporting the Operations Team to deliver safe, efficient, and high quality plant performance. Working as part of a small, close-knit team, you’ll contribute both technical expertise and practical insight to help optimise operations and drive continuous improvement across the site.
This is a broad and dynamic role that sits at the centre of operations, bringing together production, process engineering, and performance improvement. You’ll work closely with site leadership to support operational strategy, enhance plant capability, and ensure consistent delivery against performance targets.
The role offers strong opportunities for professional growth, with exposure to best practice production techniques, process engineering, and collaboration across multiple sites. It’s also a unique opportunity to be part of a large-scale ethanol production facility in Australia, while working in a team where your contribution is visible and valued.
A strong commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, and compliance is essential, along with a collaborative approach to supporting and developing team capability and fostering a positive site culture.
Role Responsibilities:
- Provide technical expertise and operational insight to support safe, efficient, and reliable plant performance.
- Collaborate with site leadership and cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement and achieve performance targets.
- Monitor and analyse plant performance, with particular focus on Fermentation, to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for optimisation.
- Support the development and implementation of operational strategies, systems, and process improvements.
- Contribute to a strong safety culture and support the development and capability of operational teams.
About you:
We are looking for someone who brings:
Essential:
- Tertiary qualifications in a relevant Engineering discipline
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in a Senior Technologist or similar role
- Experience working in shift based operational environments
- Strong knowledge of industrial processes such as fermentation, distillation
- Training and experience in HAZOP, risk management, and defect elimination methodologies
Desirable:
- Experience in sugar manufacturing, refining, chemical production facilities, or /distillation operations
- Working knowledge of Workplace Health & Safety legislation, regulations, and codes of practice
- Working knowledge of Queensland Environmental Protection legislation and compliance requirements
- Experience in continuous improvement, process optimisation, or operational excellence initiatives
- Strong stakeholder engagement and cross functional collaboration skills
Why work for Wilmar
We want people who take pride in their work, enjoy building connections, and value opportunities to grow their career in a dynamic, future-focused organisation.
As a Wilmar employee, you will enjoy:
- Salary Sacrificing & Packaging – Options for super, novated leases and other eligible benefits
- Novated Vehicle Leasing (Fleetplus) – Flexible, affordable lease and maintenance options
- Superannuation – 14.5% super guarantee contribution, exclusive member benefits through the Wilmar Super Plan
- Corporate Discounts & Rewards – Savings on fuel, tech, travel, and major retail brands
- Health & Wellbeing – EAP, Medibank Corporate Cover, and eyewear discounts
- Travel & Lifestyle – Discounts on car hire, hotels, and flights to help you recharge
- Recognition & Workplace Giving – Milestone service awards, Values Awards and Charity Giving options available
Please note that if you are moving forward in the process, Wilmar requires all employees to complete Drug & Alcohol testing and medical assessments.
Wilmar is an equal opportunity employer.
