Quality Release Lead

Full job description
Location
New Zealand - Pokeno

Date Published
Friday, October 3, 2026

Ref #
314

Work Type
Permanent

Business Unit
Supply Chain & Operations

Short Summary
Be part of a pioneering dairy company! Lead product quality and compliance while shaping the future of nutrition at a2 Milk Company.

Position Description
Our Story:
We’re excited to share that our business has recently joined the a2 Milk Company family. Formerly known as Yashili Dairy NZ Ltd, we are now operating as a2 Nutritionals NZ Limited, based in Pokeno.

The a2 Milk Company, driven by science and a pioneering spirit, disrupted the dairy and infant milk formula industry. Our vision is to create an A1-free world where dairy nourishes all people and our planet. The a2 Milk Company seeks to achieve this through the naturally occurring a2 Milk® difference and by bringing a more sustainable approach to dairy.

Your Role:
At The a2 Milk Company, we’re driven by a simple mission: to pioneer a natural approach to dairy that puts people’s wellbeing first. With our ongoing growth and success, we’re looking for a Quality Release Lead to join our New Zealand-based team and play a key role in ensuring the compliance and quality of our products. Reporting to the Head of Quality & Compliance and based at our Pokeno facility, you will be responsible for leading the release of materials and finished goods, managing compliance systems, and ensuring export eligibility of products. You will also support investigations and quality reporting across our value chain.

More Specifically, You Will Be Involved In:
Managing product and raw material release processes, ensuring timely and compliant release to market
Overseeing external laboratory testing arrangements and approving associated invoices
Coordinating traceability documentation and mock recall exercises
Leading quality investigations including non-conformance and complaint resolution
Managing in-house testing programs and shelf-life validation processes
Collaborating with co-packer customers and internal teams to deliver on quality objectives
Supporting continuous improvement initiatives, including six sigma and process optimisation
Ensuring compliance with RMP / HACCP / OMAR regulatory requirements
What You Will Bring:
3+ years’ experience in dairy or infant formula manufacturing environments
Strong understanding of quality systems, regulatory frameworks and audits
Proven experience in laboratory testing, product release, and compliance processes
Regulatory experience including familiarity with GB standards (preferred)
A tertiary qualification in Science, Food Technology, or related field
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
A proactive mindset and ability to lead quality improvement initiatives

Find out more about our great benefits on our Careers Page.