Sr Manager, QFS COE, Risk Management

Danone; Louisville (CO); Hybrid; USD 111,000 - 159,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

Danone Risk Management Senior Manager leads QFS governance, enabling risk-based decisions and proactive mitigation of Quality & Food Safety risks across the region, partnering with global QFS, category, and cross-functional teams to translate standards into practical execution and strengthen accountability.

The role emphasizes data-driven analysis and continuous improvement to ensure compliant, resilient, and efficient product delivery that meets Danone requirements and protects consumers, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Science, Food Science, Food Technology or related technical discipline.
• At least 7 years of combined experience in quality, food safety, ingredients, packaging, manufacturing processes or related functions.
• Excellent understanding of Quality & Food Safety systems and current food regulations.
• Solid understanding of plant production systems, GMP, sanitation and related controls.
• Demonstrated experience driving corrective action, process improvement and sustainable change.
• Located in WP or LSVL or a Factory location, Travel 25%.

Responsibilities

• Governance and change management: Establish governance for risk management and mitigation, oversee new or modified processes, complete business impact assessments.
• Risk identification and assessment: Identify regional QFS risks, partner with leads to uncover risks, evaluate impact and likelihood.
• Risk prioritization and communication: Prioritize and communicate risks using qualitative and quantitative analysis for risk-based decisions.
• Risk reduction and continuous improvement: Develop and implement strategies to reduce impact and share actions regionally.

Skills

Governance

Risk assessment

Cross-functional leadership

Data analysis

Communication

Change management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Quality/food safety experience

Job description

The Risk Management Senior Manager provides visible QFS leadership by setting strong governance, enabling risk-based decision-making, and driving proactive mitigation of Quality & Food Safety risks across the region. This role partners with global QFS, category, QiD, operations, and cross-functional stakeholders to identify emerging risks, translate standards into practical execution, and strengthen capability, ownership, and accountability across the network. Through data-driven analysis, leadership courage, collaboration, and continuous improvement, the role supports compliant, resilient, and efficient delivery of products that meet Danone requirements and protect consumers.

Key Responsibilities

As a key member of our team, you will play an important role in driving our mission forward. The following responsibilities outline the core expectations and contributions for this position

• Governance and change management Establish governance for risk management and mitigation, including concessions and derogations; provide change management oversight for new or modified processes; and complete business impact assessments related to implementation changes.
• Risk identification and assessment Identify and communicate existing and emerging regional QFS risks; partner with category and QiD leads to uncover risks using tools such as SWOT analysis and historical data review; and evaluate potential impact and likelihood of occurrence.
• Risk prioritization and communication Prioritize and communicate QFS risks based on severity and probability, using qualitative and quantitative analysis to support clear, risk-based decision-making.
• Risk reduction and continuous improvement Develop and implement strategies to reduce or eliminate the impact of identified risks, and share mitigation actions across the regional network to ensure lessons are applied where appropriate.

Cross-functional leadership and product delivery

• Build strong relationships, collaborate and strengthen cross-functional ways of working to deliver products that meet Danone requirements.
• Develop partnerships with global functional peers and participate in cross-business initiatives where applicable.
• Enable excellence in execution by connecting policy and standards with the realities of plant, innovation, commercialization and supply operations.
• Ensure robust documentation, record keeping, knowledge management and continuity of critical processes.
• Passion for standardization and finding synergies through continuous improvement mindset.
• Excellent communication skills and leadership courage.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills to drive change within the organization.
• Strong focus on enabling excellence in execution.
• Facts and data driven, with strong synthesis and analytical capabilities

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• This role is primarily performed in a standard office setting and requires the ability to remain in a stationary position (e.g., seated or standing) for extended periods.
• The employee may be exposed to moderate noise levels from office equipment and conversations. Hybrid or remote work arrangements may apply, which can introduce variability in work settings.

The salary range for this position is $111,000.00 – $159,000.00 USD. The exact salary offered will depend on several factors, including the candidate’s relevant experience, geographic location, internal equity, and market conditions. Danone North America additionally offers a performance-based bonus and has a strong benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401k Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Time Off, and Paid Parental Bonding Leave, among other benefit plan options. To give our employees flexibility, Danone is a hybrid work environment.

This role is considered a “hybrid” position that allows for flexible work, meaning it is a role where collaboration with key stakeholders in Danone Hubs occurs. While you may have the option to work from home on a schedule as agreed to with your supervisor, you are also expected to regularly report to your assigned office location at least 3 days per week.

About You

The ideal candidate will bring a combination of education, experience, and skills that enable them to excel in this position. The following qualifications outline what we’re looking for, including both required and preferred criteria

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Science, Food Science, Food Technology or a related technical discipline.
• At least 7 years of combined experience in quality, food safety, ingredients, food packaging, manufacturing processes or related technical functions.
• Excellent understanding of Quality & Food Safety systems and current food regulations applicable to the role scope.
• Solid understanding of plant production systems, manufacturing equipment, Good Manufacturing Practices, sanitation and related operational controls.
• Demonstrated experience driving corrective action, process improvement and sustainable change across functions or sites.
• Located in WP or LSVL or a Factory location, Travel 25%.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong ownership and visible demonstration of Danone behaviors and values.
• Passion for standardization, simplification and continuous improvement.
• Strong leadership courage, sound judgment and the ability to make and communicate clear decisions.
• Excellent collaboration and influencing skills across functions, levels, sites and geographies.
• Ability to manage deadlines and multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Facts- and data-driven approach with strong analytical, synthesis and problem-solving capability.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, documentation and record-keeping skills.
• Adaptable, self-directed and results-oriented, with the ability to work independently and handle confidential information.
• Ability to learn and use new systems, tools and programs quickly.

About us

Life at Danone

With approximately 5,000 employees and 13 production locations across the U.S., our vibrant culture and endless growth opportunities are just a couple of the reasons our employees call themselves “Proud Danoners.”

Learn more about Life at Danone

Our Brands

Our Purpose

We’re committed to making a positive impact on our world. Rooted in our mission to bring health through food to as many people as possible, we’re proud to be the world’s largest B Corp.

Learn more about our mission.

Our commitment to making the world healthier starts with our employees.

• Physical Wellbeing We pay for the majority of your medical benefits – which include medical, dental and vision – with our competitive 80%/20% cost-sharing model.
• Mental Wellbeing Danoners receive fitness discounts, unlimited flexible time off and hybrid work schedules. We also have a range of programs that support mental health and substance abuse.
• Financial Support We offer a performance-based bonus, a 401(k) plan, tuition reimbursement, employee discount programs and voluntary perks.
• Family Care We offer caretaker benefits, 18 weeks of parental bonding, fertility, surrogacy, adoption benefits and pet insurance.

Learn more about our benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Danone North America is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. It is our policy to give equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to legally protected characteristics, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state/provincial and/or local law. For our EEO policy statement and your EEO rights under law click here.