Quality Improvement Manager

We are seeking an experienced technical and quality professional to lead cross-functional improvement and complex technical projects across Tatua.

This is a senior, influential role focused on strengthening our quality and food safety systems, operational performance and business resilience. You will provide practical technical leadership, guide product impact and regulatory decisions and build capability across Technical Services and the wider business.

In this role you will:

• Lead cross-functional quality improvement and technical projects from scoping through implementation and effectiveness review.
• Identify and prioritise improvement opportunities based on food safety, compliance, customer and business risk.
• Provide technical leadership on complex quality, food safety and emerging hazard issues.
• Lead or advise on investigations and product impact decisions using regulatory, scientific, customer and operational evidence.
• Interpret New Zealand dairy and food requirements and prepare technically defensible standards, procedures, submissions and regulatory evidence.
• Support significant RMP amendments, regulatory verification, audit defence and critical event response.
• Coach others in structured problem-solving, risk assessment, technical writing and project delivery, strengthening capability and succession depth.
• Translate complex technical information into clear recommendations and actions for senior leaders, regulators and operational teams.

The successful candidate will have:

• Substantial senior level experience in technical, quality, food safety or operational roles within dairy or food manufacturing.
• Demonstrated expertise in food safety and dairy microbiology, including complex investigations and risk-based product-impact decisions.
• Experience leading cross-functional improvement initiatives or technical projects and embedding sustainable change.
• Strong knowledge of New Zealand food and dairy legislation, MPI requirements, HACCP, risk assessment, verification and audit principles.
• Excellent critical thinking, technical writing, stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in food science, microbiology, dairy science, chemistry, engineering or another applicable science discipline.

Our Values at Tatua

• Co-Operative at the Core: We create shared success for our people, shareholders, customers and community
• Committed to Tomorrow: We encourage innovation to forge our own path for a thriving future
• Everyday Good People: We take pride in doing our best, with care and integrity

Applications close: 04 December 2026

What we offer:

• Subsidised Medical Insurance
• Life, Disability & Income Protection Insurance 
• Development & Training opportunities
• Additional Parental Leave
• Comprehensive Wellbeing Package: Workstation Assessment, Annual Health Screenings, Free Flu Vaccines, EAP Services, Onsite Wellbeing Committee
• Discounted Staff Products
• Free onsite Secure Parking

Position description Apply now

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