This occupation is found in the food and drink manufacturing sector in the dairy industry.

Dairy products include liquid milks, cream, cheeses, ice creams, powders and ingredients, yoghurt, butter, sports drinks, baby formulas, and plant-based dairy alternatives. 

The broad purpose of the occupation is to provide expert technical advice and support on a variety of aspects of dairy production helping to drive a quality culture. They provide dairy technical specialist knowledge in audits. They help investigate operational issues and come up with innovative solutions. They support projects, these may focus on continuous improvement or introducing new processes or products.  Developing technical dairy knowledge within the team is also part of the role.

In their daily work, dairy technologists interact with cross functional teams and stakeholders. Internally this may include operations, quality assurance, continuous improvement, engineering, financial, commercial, marketing, and the site leadership team. Externally, this may include suppliers, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), customers, and visitors.

They may spend time in the production environment, laboratory, or office.

They may work alone or as part of a team depending on the task. They typically report to the head of quality, plant manager, or technical manager.

Dairy technologists are responsible for ensuring dairy products are food safe and meet quality requirements along with customer expectations. Health and safety, environment and sustainability, financial considerations, and ethical working practices must also be met.  They are expected to keep up to date with regulations and dairy product developments.