Quality Lead

About Lactalis-Mainland Dairy

Lactalis-Mainland Dairy, previously recognized as Fonterra's global Consumer and associated businesses, is now integrated into the Lactalis Group. Lactalis, founded in 1933 in Laval, France, stands as the world's premier dairy group, operating in 50 countries with approximately 85,500 employees. It boasts renowned dairy brands such as Président, Galbani, and Parmalat alongside trusted local brands in each market. In New Zealand, Lactalis Mainland Dairy employs over 4,300 people and manages 16 manufacturing sites across Oceania, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East. The brand portfolio includes household favorites like Anchor, Mainland, Fresh ’n’ Fruity, and Primo, enjoyed by generations of Kiwis.

Role Overview

We are looking for an energetic and seasoned Quality Lead to join the Food Safety & Quality (FSQ) team at the Takanini site. Reporting to the Food Safety & Quality Manager and collaborating with three other Quality Leads, you will uphold and develop quality assurance standards for products and processes. You will work closely with various stakeholders to cultivate continuous improvement and guarantee compliance with regulations and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, apply, and uphold strong quality assurance systems and protocols across the facility.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality control practices meet business goals.
• Track and assess performance metrics, identify areas for enhancement, and execute corrective measures.
• Lead quality audits to ensure adherence to internal policies, industry standards, and customer demands.
• Promote a culture of quality awareness and continuous progress across the site.
• Offer technical expertise and support to project teams, integrating quality considerations into new projects.

Candidate Profile

• Demonstrated experience in quality assurance or quality control within manufacturing, preferably in dairy or FMCG sectors.
• Strong leadership and influence skills to engage teams in quality initiatives.
• Solid understanding of quality management systems and food safety standards such as HACCP and GMP.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities for effective collaboration.
• A proactive, solution-oriented mindset focused on problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Food Science, Quality Management, or related fields are advantageous.

Benefits & Culture

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Opportunities for career advancement within a global enterprise.
• Supportive team environment with a culture that values quality, innovation, and sustainability.
• Meaningful work that contributes to the company’s success and community impact.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Lactalis-Mainland Dairy is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from diverse backgrounds of gender, ethnicity, religion, age, or ability.