Regulatory Manager

Overview

Join Open Country Dairy as a key leader driving regulatory strategy, certification assurance, and market access for the entire group. You will provide expert guidance on regulatory affairs, export and specialty certification, traceability, and validation, acting as the company representative in interactions with regulators, industry bodies, and stakeholders.

Role Summary

Reporting to the Group Compliance Manager, you will serve as the lead regulatory expert managing a complex, export-oriented compliance portfolio. Your role involves interpreting requirements from MPI, importing countries, and various certification standards into actionable, risk-based directions that support strategic decision-making, operational uniformity, and audit preparedness throughout the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Convert MPI, international import regulations, industry, and religious certification requirements into pragmatic and risk-aware business strategies.
• Represent Open Country at MPI forums, industry committees, and market access negotiations, including preparing submissions, position statements, and regulatory replies.
• Identify potential regulatory changes proactively and enhance compliance frameworks, policies, procedures, and systems to ensure they are current, effective, and audit-compliant.
• Own validation processes for infant formula and applicable non-infant products to guarantee robust and defensible compliance with regulatory standards.
• Oversee trade certification, product traceability, registrations, Free Sale Certificates, product release protocols, and market eligibility, handling escalations for complex issues.
• Lead specialty certification initiatives such as Halal, Kosher, Quota, and Grass-Fed certifications, maintaining strong confidence among certifiers, regulators, and customers.

Candidate Profile

You will be an experienced senior regulatory leader with strong judgement and technical expertise capable of simplifying complex compliance challenges. The role requires confident engagement with senior stakeholders, balancing business considerations with regulatory demands, and establishing trustworthy relationships internally and externally.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Extensive senior-level experience in dairy, food technology, regulatory affairs, quality assurance, or compliance, coupled with relevant tertiary education or equivalent technical expertise.
• In-depth knowledge of MPI regulations, export certification, product traceability, market access, validation mandates, and specialty certifications within sophisticated food or dairy operations.
• Proven ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements and develop practical, risk-based business procedures and guidance.
• Credibility and effectiveness engaging with government regulators, certification agencies, industry organizations, and executive stakeholders.
• Excellent written communication, influencing skills, and stakeholder management, delivering clear and well-founded advice on complex issues.
• Preferred possession of a postgraduate or specialized qualification in regulatory affairs, food safety, dairy technology, or auditing.
• Experience using Navision or comparable ERP systems.
• Specific expertise in validation procedures for infant formula products.

Why Work With Us

Become part of an organization where your regulatory knowledge will directly influence market access, certification reliability, and customer confidence. Collaborate with senior leaders and technical experts to foster practical, forward-thinking compliance solutions.

Application Details

If you are prepared to bring senior regulatory knowledge to a role with broad organizational impact, we encourage you to apply. Submit your resume and a cover letter highlighting your relevant regulatory, certification, and stakeholder engagement experience. Candidates must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand.

Application deadline: 21 October 2026 (subject to earlier appointment).