Systems and Compliance Manager

The a2 Milk Company; Pokeno; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The a2 Milk Company in Pokeno, NZ is seeking an experienced Quality Leader to own the site’s quality systems and compliance framework, ensuring the Quality Management System meets regulatory, customer and certification requirements.

You will lead a small team, drive continuous improvement, manage MPI regulatory updates, product specifications, audits and change management across the factory. A background in dairy manufacturing, HACCP/RMPs, and strong leadership are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of infant formula or dairy manufacturing experience.
• Strong knowledge of Quality Management Systems, HACCP, RMPs and prerequisite programmes.
• Experience working in dry blend and/or spray drying environments.
• Experience with quality auditing, regulatory compliance and product specifications.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Structured approach with strong problem-solving and continuous improvement capability.
• NCEA Level 2 or equivalent qualification.
• Tertiary qualification in Food Science or related discipline preferred.

Responsibilities

• Leading the implementation and ongoing improvement of the Quality Management System across the Pokeno factory.
• Establishing quality systems, processes and routines that support regulatory compliance and zero-defect performance.
• Leading internal audits and verifying the effective implementation of quality management systems.
• Managing the site change management process, ensuring actions and change proposals are effectively tracked and closed.
• Leading product compliance across ANZ, including finished goods specifications for base powder and can products.
• Managing MPI regulatory updates, including gap and risk analysis and appropriate follow-up actions.
• Managing new product certifications and documentation required for overseas export markets and customer requirements.
• Driving the timely closure of compliance gaps using problem-solving and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Raising and reviewing exception reports and ENCs, and liaising with MPI to support appropriate gap closure and disposition.
• Developing and delivering quality training and capability initiatives across the site.
• Leading continuous improvement programmes focused on quality systems, operational standards and consumer expectations.
• Leading and developing a small team, setting clear expectations and supporting a high-performance quality culture.

Skills

Quality management

GMP/HACCP

Auditing

Regulatory compliance

Team leadership

Education

Tertiary qualification in Food Science or related discipline

NCEA Level 2 or equivalent

Job 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.

The role:

This is a key leadership role within our Pokeno Quality function, reporting to the Site Quality Manager. You’ll take ownership of the site’s quality systems and compliance framework, ensuring our Quality Management System is effectively implemented and that the factory meets all regulatory, customer and certification requirements.

Leading a small team, you’ll work across the factory to drive quality performance, strengthen compliance, manage regulatory requirements and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

More specifically, you will be involved in:

• Leading the implementation and ongoing improvement of the Quality Management System across the Pokeno factory.
• Establishing quality systems, processes and routines that support regulatory compliance and zero-defect performance.
• Leading internal audits and verifying the effective implementation of quality management systems.
• Managing the site change management process, ensuring actions and change proposals are effectively tracked and closed.
• Leading product compliance across ANZ, including finished goods specifications for base powder and can products.
• Managing MPI regulatory updates, including gap and risk analysis and appropriate follow-up actions.
• Managing new product certifications and documentation required for overseas export markets and customer requirements.
• Driving the timely closure of compliance gaps using problem-solving and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Raising and reviewing exception reports and ENCs, and liaising with MPI to support appropriate gap closure and disposition.
• Developing and delivering quality training and capability initiatives across the site.
• Leading continuous improvement programmes focused on quality systems, operational standards and consumer expectations.
• Leading and developing a small team, setting clear expectations and supporting a high-performance quality culture.

What you will bring:

• Strong experience in a food, dairy or infant formula manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 5 years of infant formula or dairy manufacturing experience, with broader manufacturing experience highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of Quality Management Systems, HACCP, RMPs and prerequisite programmes.
• Experience working within a dry blend and/or spray drying manufacturing environment.
• Experience with quality auditing, regulatory compliance and product specifications.
• A tertiary qualification in Food Science or a related discipline is preferred.
• Strong computer literacy and the ability to work confidently with quality systems and documentation.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to set standards, provide direction and develop others.
• A structured and organised approach, with strong problem-solving and continuous improvement capability.
• The ability to work effectively with a range of stakeholders, including manufacturing teams, customers and regulatory bodies.
• NCEA Level 2 or equivalent qualification.