At
Lactalis Australia, you’ll have the opportunity to launch your career with a leading global consumer goods organisation. We offer exposure to both
Australian and international career pathways, a
highly competitive salary, and the chance to make a real impact from day one.
We’re passionate about developing our people. At Lactalis, we encourage entrepreneurial thinking, value accountability, and bring together pragmatic, driven individuals who take ownership of their work. With our deep dairy expertise and industry know‑how, you’ll be supported to grow, learn, and make a difference.
What can you expect from our Graduate Program?
We are currently seeking graduates to join our Management Control Graduate Program, based in one of our sites below:
- Brisbane (South Brisbane - Head Office)
- Victoria (industrial site in Greater Melbourne or Bendigo region)
- Western Australia (industrial site in Harvey)
This 1.5–2 year structured program is designed to build your leadership capability while giving you a strong understanding of key financial and operational processes within the FMCG and dairy manufacturing industry.
As part of the program, you’ll play an important role in supporting site financial performance through accurate reporting, meaningful analysis, and practical recommendations. You’ll work closely with operations and leadership teams, gaining hands‑on experience in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment while helping to drive cost efficiency and continuous improvement.
Throughout the program, you will:
- Play an active role in month-end closing activities and deliver accurate, insightful dashboards that showcase site performance
- Support financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting processes, ensuring precision and timeliness
- Maintain Bills of Materials (BOM) and manage costing for new product development
- Act as a trusted business partner, analyzing financial performance, explaining variances against budget, prior year, and forecast, and recommending corrective actions to improve efficiency
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives and manage ad-hoc projects with agility and focus
- Collaborate closely with operations teams to identify cost drivers and implement strategies that optimize performance
- Execute cost accounting and inventory valuation tasks as part of month-end close activities with accuracy and attention to detail
- Engage actively with shop-floor operations and follow through on improvement projects to ensure successful outcomes
This is a multi-faceted program that involves the following:
- Work alongside team members to understand Management Control roles, processes, and daily operations.
- Complete structured rotations with a mentor, building leadership skills and insight into a complex manufacturing environment.
- Deliver project work and presentations, supported by targeted training in leadership, project management, industry knowledge, and communication skills.
What’s in it for you?
This program has been designed to give you the tools, experience, and confidence to build a
rewarding long‑term career at Lactalis Australia.
You’ll develop both technical and interpersonal skills, gain hands‑on experience, and learn how to work effectively with key stakeholders across the business. With this foundation, you’ll be well‑placed to choose a career pathway that suits your strengths and interests.
You’ll be supported every step of the way by experienced managers and mentors, while also being given the autonomy to take ownership, make decisions, and grow as a future leader.
Regular performance reviews will be conducted throughout the program, and Lactalis Australia will make every effort to secure a permanent role upon completion. Successful graduates may go on to full‑time opportunities across our national network of sites.
Should I apply?
Lactalis Australia welcomes applications from candidates who have completed a degree within the last 24 months.
You are an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or on a 485 VISA (at least valid for 18-24 months) and you have a Finance, Business/Commercial Accounting, or Engineering Degree.
As you're a recent graduate, Lactalis does not expect you to have extensive experience, however the following would be highly beneficial:
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Willingness to work and relocate nationally
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Strong academic performance, supported by solid project outcomes
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A genuine interest in building a career within the
FMCG and dairy manufacturing industry
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Advanced capability in
Microsoft Excel and the broader Microsoft Office suite, with the ability to develop reports, analyse data, and support informed business decisions
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Demonstrated experience in
data extraction, modelling, and analysis to deliver clear, actionable insights
(highly regarded)An adaptable mindset, with openness to new ideas and the ability to thrive in a fast‑changing environment
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The ability to translate complex financial information into
clear recommendations that influence business outcomes
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A proactive approach to identifying inefficiencies and implementing solutions that improve processes and performance
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Strong attention to detail, with a commitment to accuracy and consistency in reporting and analysis
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Exposure to the
manufacturing sector through previous roles or internships
(desirable)
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A strong desire to grow, develop, and build a long‑term career with
Lactalis Australia
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An understanding of, and commitment to,
health and safety practices in the workplace
We will accept applicants until
14 of Feb only.