Quality and Food Safety Plant Manager
Nutricia
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Job summary
Danone is seeking a seasoned QFS Plant Leader (PQM) to steer the Quality & Food Safety function at a major manufacturing site. Reporting to the Plant Leader, you will establish strategic direction, ensure regulatory compliance, and foster a culture of quality across operations.
You will lead a team of QFS professionals and collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, R&I and Commercial teams to drive continuous improvement and risk management.
Qualifications
- Experience leading Quality & Food Safety in highly regulated environments.
- Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMP, ISO standards and regulatory requirements.
- Proven ability to drive improvements and lead audits and governance.
Responsibilities
- Lead the site's Quality & Food Safety strategy and agenda.
- Develop and coach a high-performing QFS team.
- Drive a strong Culture of Quality across the site.
- Partner with Plant Leadership to deliver objectives.
- Manage QFS budgets and stakeholder engagement.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Permanent | Manufacturing Site | Kiewa, Australia
- Join Danone, a global leader in health-focused food and specialised nutrition
- Lead Quality & Food Safety strategy, culture, and performance across a world-class manufacturing site
- Drive continuous improvement, compliance, and operational excellence while developing high-performing teams
Danone is seeking an experienced and influential QFS Plant Leader (PQM) to lead the Quality & Food Safety function within one of our manufacturing sites.
Reporting to the Plant Leader, you will provide strategic leadership and direction across Quality & Food Safety, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, Danone standards, and customer expectations while driving a strong culture of quality throughout the site.
As a key member of the Plant Leadership Team, you will lead a team of Quality & Food Safety professionals and partner closely with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, R&I, and Commercial teams to deliver continuous improvement, risk management, and sustainable business performance.
This is a highly visible leadership role combining people leadership, technical expertise, governance, and operational excellence.
- Lead the site's Quality & Food Safety strategy and agenda
- Develop and coach a high-performing QFS team
- Drive a strong Culture of Quality across the manufacturing site
- Partner with the Plant Leadership Team to deliver business objectives
- Ensure compliance with regulatory, customer, and Danone QFS standards
- Maintain effective Quality and Food Safety Management Systems
- Lead certification, audit, and governance activities
- Manage food safety risks, quality incidents, and crisis response
- Drive improvements in quality, food safety, consumer complaints, and non-conformances
- Monitor QFS KPIs and implement corrective and preventive actions
- Lead root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives
- Ensure quality governance across projects, product launches, and change management activities
- Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, R&I, and Commercial teams
- Partner with regulatory authorities, auditors, customers, and external stakeholders
- Manage QFS budgets and support site investment priorities
- Champion best practice sharing across local, regional, and global teams
You are a strategic and people-focused Quality leader who is passionate about food safety, operational excellence, and developing high-performing teams. You thrive in manufacturing environments and can influence stakeholders at all levels of the organisation.
- Degree qualifications in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Pharmacy, or a related discipline
- Significant experience in Quality & Food Safety leadership within food manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, or other highly regulated industries
- Proven success leading teams and driving business performance
- Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMP, FSSC 22000, ISO standards, and regulatory requirements
- Experience leading audits, compliance programs, and risk management activities
- Strong stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills
- Experience working within complex manufacturing environments
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and continuous improvement capabilities
At Danone, our mission is to bring health through food to as many people as possible. Guided by our purpose of One Planet. One Health, we're proud to be a Certified B Corporation and a Great Place to Work, creating positive impact for people, communities, and the planet while fostering a culture where our people can thrive.
Play a critical role in protecting consumers and ensuring the highest standards of quality and food safety.
Shape quality culture, drive continuous improvement, and influence performance across a strategic manufacturing site.
Collaborate with local, regional, and global stakeholders while contributing to Danone's broader Quality & Food Safety agenda.
At Danone, purpose and performance go hand in hand. We are committed to creating an environment where our people feel empowered, supported, and inspired to do meaningful work while growing their careers.
- A collaborative and supportive culture
- Flexible ways of working where operationally feasible
- Learning and development opportunities to support your career growth
- Exposure to local, regional, and global stakeholders
- An inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive
- Health, life and salary continuance insurance benefits
- 26 weeks of gender-neutral paid parental leave
- Annual salary reviews and performance-based incentives
- A comprehensive employee benefits program designed to support your wellbeing and financial security
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
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