National Quality Manager

About the Role

Open Country Dairy Ltd is seeking a seasoned National Quality Manager to strengthen its Quality team. Reporting directly to the Group Quality Manager, this position carries responsibility for leading milk quality initiatives across the South Island operations while supporting overarching national quality governance and continuous improvements throughout the company.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full ownership and administration of the milk quality program for South Island operations.
• Supervise farm Risk Management Programme (RMP) compliance, conduct follow-ups on farm dairy assessments, and monitor supplier quality performance.
• Manage necessary milk testing protocols, tanker acceptance, and logistics quality criteria.
• Act as the delegated representative for the Group Quality Manager when required.
• Lead or assist with major quality investigations and perform root cause analyses to address issues effectively.
• Champion cross-site quality improvements and initiatives to harmonize standards.
• Analyze quality performance data, detect trends, and suggest actionable enhancements.
• Collaborate closely with site teams, technical departments, operations, milk supply, and senior leadership to drive quality excellence.

Candidate Profile

• Possess a relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent senior experience in dairy, food technology, quality assurance, food safety, or a related field.
• Demonstrate substantial experience in quality assurance, milk quality management, food processing, or primary industry compliance sectors.
• Have a proven track record in leading quality investigations and managing corrective action procedures.
• Exhibit strong knowledge of product quality standards, food safety regulations, and quality assurance methodologies.
• Bring excellent analytical, reporting, and decision-making skills.
• Display confidence in influencing stakeholders and providing leadership beyond formal authority structures.

Experience in multi-site operations, overseeing milk quality programs, conducting audits, or acting as a senior quality leader's delegate would be beneficial.

Additional Information

This role offers a significant opportunity to impact quality across South Island operations and contribute to the wider Open Country business. Candidates are encouraged to apply with their CV and cover letter.