Quality Release Lead

The a2 Milk Company; Pokeno; On-site; NZD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A dairy company based in Pokeno, New Zealand, is seeking a Quality Release Lead. This role involves managing product releases, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and leading quality investigations. The ideal candidate should have over 3 years of experience in dairy or infant formula manufacturing and hold a relevant tertiary qualification. Strong skills in stakeholder management and a proactive mindset for quality improvement are essential.

Qualifications

• 3+ years’ experience in dairy or infant formula manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of quality systems and regulatory frameworks.
• Proven experience in compliance processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage product and raw material release processes.
• Oversee external laboratory testing arrangements.
• Coordinate traceability documentation.
• Lead quality investigations and complaint resolution.
• Support quality improvement initiatives.

Skills

Quality systems understanding

Laboratory testing

Stakeholder management

Regulatory compliance

Process optimization

Education

Tertiary qualification in Science or Food Technology

Job description

Position Description

Our Story: We’re excited to share that our business has recently joined the a2 Milk Company family. Formerly known as Yashili Dairy NZ Ltd, we are now operating as a2 Nutritionals NZ Limited, based in Pokeno.

The a2 Milk Company, driven by science and a pioneering spirit, disrupted the dairy and infant milk formula industry. Our vision is to create an A1-free world where dairy nourishes all people and our planet. The a2 Milk Company seeks to achieve this through the naturally occurring a2 Milk difference and by bringing a more sustainable approach to dairy.

Your Role: At The a2 Milk Company, we’re driven by a simple mission: to pioneer a natural approach to dairy that puts people’s wellbeing first. With our ongoing growth and success, we’re looking for a Quality Release Lead to join our New Zealand-based team and play a key role in ensuring the compliance and quality of our products. Reporting to the Head of Quality & Compliance and based at our Pokeno facility, you will be responsible for leading the release of materials and finished goods, managing compliance systems, and ensuring export eligibility of products. You will also support investigations and quality reporting across our value chain.

More Specifically, You Will Be Involved In:

• Managing product and raw material release processes, ensuring timely and compliant release to market
• Overseeing external laboratory testing arrangements and approving associated invoices
• Coordinating traceability documentation and mock recall exercises
• Leading quality investigations including non-conformance and complaint resolution
• Managing in-house testing programs and shelf-life validation processes
• Collaborating with co-packer customers and internal teams to deliver on quality objectives
• Supporting continuous improvement initiatives, including six sigma and process optimisation
• Ensuring compliance with RMP / HACCP / OMAR regulatory requirements

What You Will Bring:

• 3+ years’ experience in dairy or infant formula manufacturing environments
• Strong understanding of quality systems, regulatory frameworks and audits
• Proven experience in laboratory testing, product release, and compliance processes
• Regulatory experience including familiarity with GB standards (preferred)
• A tertiary qualification in Science, Food Technology, or related field
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• A proactive mindset and ability to lead quality improvement initiatives