Country Quality, Food Safety Director

Mainland Dairy, the business formerly known as Fonterra’s global Consumer and associated businesses, is now part of the Lactalis Group and known as Lactalis-Mainland Dairy. Lactalis is a French family‑owned business founded in Laval in 1933. Today, it is the world’s leading dairy group, present in 50 countries and employing around 85,500 people. It is home to some of the world’s best‑known global and international dairy brands, including Président, Galbani and Parmalat, as well as trusted local brands across each market. Lactalis‑Mainland Dairy is a team of more than 4,300 employees, operating 16 manufacturing sites across Oceania, Southeast Asia, South Asia and the Middle East. In New Zealand, we make well-loved brands including Anchor, Mainland, Fresh ’n’ Fruity and Primo, which are enjoyed by generations of Kiwi households. Our passionate and talented team is committed to nurturing the future, unlocking new opportunities, and fostering innovation in nutrition and food. About The Opportunity Lead the Quality, Food Safety and risk management agenda for Lactalis New Zealand in a high-profile executive role reporting directly to the NZ CEO. You will influence strategy, culture and performance across the organisation while protecting consumers, customers and some of New Zealand's most trusted dairy brands. You will: Set and lead the QFS strategy for New Zealand, aligning local priorities with the zone and global Lactalis quality framework Provide visible enterprise leadership across sites and functions, strengthening food safety culture, governance, accountability and decision-making Lead the end-to-end QFS remit across milk quality, manufacturing, supply chain, supplier quality, customer and consumer care, sensory, standards, systems and operational quality Oversee food safety and quality governance, including audit readiness, risk management programmes, HACCP-based controls, verification, traceability, incident management and recall preparedness Build a high-performing, future-ready QFS organisation by developing capability, embedding clear standards and leading the function through a period of change and uplift About You You’re an experienced food safety and quality leader who can operate at both strategic and operational levels, bringing strong judgement, influence and confidence in complex, highly regulated environments. You’ll be comfortable leading through change, partnering across functions, and translating global frameworks into practical, effective local execution. In addition to this, you will have: Extensive senior leadership experience in quality and food safety within dairy, food manufacturing, beverage, ingredients or a highly regulated FMCG environment A tertiary qualification in Food Science, Food Technology, Dairy Technology, Engineering, Microbiology or a related discipline Strong expertise in food safety risk management, quality systems, HACCP, audit, verification, validation, CAPA, traceability and incident governance Proven ability to influence and build trusted relationships across manufacturing, supply chain, regulatory, R&D, commercial and senior leadership teams A strategic, pragmatic and commercially aware leadership style, with the ability to manage complexity, lead change and strengthen capability across a broad QFS function What We Offer Competitive pay and benefits Career development and internal opportunities across a global business A team focused workplace in a fantastic culture where your work has real impact A strong commitment to quality, innovation and sustainability Our Commitment Lactalis-Mainland Dairy is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, or ability. #J-18808-Ljbffr