Release Manager

Role Overview

Join Danone's Quality and Food Safety team as a Release Manager at our Mangere factory in Auckland. This fixed-term 12-month contract role is pivotal in safeguarding product quality, food safety, and consumer confidence by overseeing the release of raw materials, packaging, and finished goods for our Specialised Nutrition products, including items produced by third-party manufacturers.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure that all releases comply with quality, regulatory, certification, and market standards.
• Manage control plans for materials and products, encompassing risk-based testing, traceability, and adherence to release criteria.
• Handle product holds, non-conformance issues, and release challenges collaboratively with stakeholders.
• Utilize quality metrics and trend data to evaluate risks and drive improvements.
• Enhance release workflows, controls, and processing times.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation including finished goods specifications and release procedures.
• Support audits, investigations, corrective actions, and ongoing improvement projects.
• Lead or participate in cross-functional Quality, Food Safety, and other strategic projects.
• Head, mentor, and develop the Release Coordinator team fostering engagement and agility.
• Promote safety, quality, and regulatory compliance throughout operations.

Candidate Profile

• Possess a relevant qualification in chemistry, microbiology, food science, or related discipline, or commensurate practical experience.
• Previous experience in laboratory settings, quality assurance, or food manufacturing industries.
• Demonstrated ability in team leadership, coaching, or training roles.
• Knowledgeable in food safety standards, good manufacturing and hygiene practices, risk management, and traceability.
• Understanding of HACCP principles, product recall procedures, and relevant quality standards.
• Strong analytical aptitude paired with sound technical judgment.
• Excellent communication skills and capability to influence stakeholders effectively.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, adapt to changing demands, and make confident decisions independently.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications and quality management systems.

About Danone

Danone is committed to inspiring healthier and more sustainable nutrition aligned with our vision, "One Planet. One Health." With headquarters in France and presence in 55 countries, our products reach over 120 markets globally. Our brand portfolio includes well-known names such as YoPRO, Activia, Aptamil, and Karicare. Our ANZ division, focused on dairy and specialised nutrition, has been recognized as a Great Place to Work for five consecutive years.

Benefits and Culture

• Collaborative, high-performing team environment.
• Flexible hybrid working options.
• Early Friday finishes at 3 pm as part of "Thank Danone It’s Friday."
• A diverse and inclusive workplace promoting individual uniqueness.
• Customized learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive total rewards including health and life insurance.
• 26 weeks of gender-neutral paid parental leave.
• Employee Share Subscription Plan available after 12 months.
• Performance-based incentives and annual performance reviews.

Diversity and Inclusion

Danone is dedicated to fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace where every employee is valued and can contribute fully. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to fair consideration for all qualified candidates.