Manager, QiD Beverages & PB

This role sits within Danone’s Quality & Food Safety (QFS) organization and supports the Design-to-Deliver process. The Manager, Quality in Design leads Quality and Food Safety for the industrialization and commercialization of new products and processes in manufacturing plants. This role acts as the key QFS partner to cross-functional teams (Engineering, R&I, Commercialization, Procurement, etc.), ensuring formulas, processes, equipment, and standards meet all internal and external food safety and quality requirements. The position also drives compliance to specification, risk mitigation, continuous improvement, and product performance.

Responsibilities

• Represent QFS on Project teams, coordinating QFS efforts with core team members.
• Identify and mitigate risk through application of scientific principles, technical experience, and employment of Quality and Food Safety Standards.
• Collaborate with internal functions including Cycles & Procurement, Research & Innovation, Environmental Health and Safety, Sustainability, Regulatory, Food Safety, Project Management, Operations, and Commercialization and Technical Excellence to deliver products to the market that meet Danone’s standards.
• Facilitate root cause analysis and ensure effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Facilitate problem solving, resolution of plant issues, and follow-up to ensure appropriate corrective actions are complete.
• Ensure adherence to company project management processes and QFS requirements.
• Communicate project status, risks, and mitigation plans to stakeholders.
• Partner with R&I and Engineering to troubleshoot formulation and process issues, ensuring effective root cause identification and full implementation of corrective actions.
• Facilitate change and improve ways of working.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory requirements and internal standards.
• All other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related scientific field.
• Strong knowledge of Quality Systems, Food Safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, GMP, SPC, sanitation, and EHS.
• Basic auditing skills with a willingness to develop further.

Skills

• Strong leadership and influencing skills in a matrix environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• High attention to detail and strong documentation practices.
• Self-driven, adaptable, and results-oriented.
• Ability to quickly learn new systems and tools.

Qualifications (Nonessential)

• Trained in SQF or FSSC (GFSI) auditing schemes.
• Experience managing external suppliers/co-manufacturers.
• Previous experience in Food or Food Packaging Research and Innovation.
• Prior or present responsibility as QA Manager/Engineer for a food manufacturing facility.
• Working knowledge of SAP and/or similar ERP databases and PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $70,000.00 – $105,000.00 USD. The exact salary offered will depend on several factors, including the candidate’s relevant experience, geographic location, internal equity, and market conditions. Danone North America additionally offers a performance-based bonus.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage (80%/20% cost-sharing model).
• 401k Plan.
• Wellness Program.
• Life Insurance.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Flexible Time Off.
• Paid Parental Bonding Leave (18 weeks).
• Fitness discounts.
• Hybrid work schedule.
• Mental health and substance abuse support programs.
• Employee discount programs and voluntary perks.
• Caretaker benefits, fertility, surrogacy, and adoption benefits.
• Pet insurance.

Schedule

This is a hybrid position requiring regular reporting to the assigned office location at least 3 days per week. Estimated travel is 25%.