Sr Manager, QFS COE, Systems, Standards and Certifications

Danone•Louisville, CO

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Systems, Standards and Certifications, Sr Manager leads the governance, deployment and continuous improvement of Quality & Food Safety systems, standards, certification programs and QFS artwork approval processes. The role connects regional business needs with global Quality & Food Safety teams, ensures internal and external requirements are translated into effective operating practices, and enables consistent execution across manufacturing plants, Quality in Design, sourcing, innovation and route-to-market activities. This leader manages a team of managers and specialists and serves as the senior QFS point of contact for systems, standards, third-party certifications and QFS aspects of artwork and labeling. The role combines technical stewardship, cross-functional leadership, capability building, performance management and process improvement to support compliant, efficient product delivery.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Science, Food Science, Food Technology or a related technical discipline.
At least 7 years of combined experience in quality, food safety, ingredients, food packaging, manufacturing processes or related technical functions.
Advanced understanding of Quality & Food Safety systems and current food regulations applicable to the role scope.
Solid understanding of plant production systems, manufacturing equipment, Good Manufacturing Practices, sanitation and related operational controls.
Demonstrated experience driving corrective action, process improvement and sustainable change across functions or sites.
Experience leading people, including managers or technical specialists, and building team capability.
Strong ownership and visible demonstration of Danone behaviors and values.
Passion for standardization, simplification and continuous improvement.
Strong leadership courage, sound judgment and the ability to make and communicate clear decisions.
Excellent collaboration and influencing skills across functions, levels, sites and geographies.
Ability to manage deadlines and multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
Facts- and data-driven approach with strong analytical, synthesis and problem-solving capability.
Excellent written, verbal, presentation, documentation and record-keeping skills.
Adaptable, self-directed and results-oriented, with the ability to work independently and handle confidential information.
Ability to learn and use new systems, tools and programs quickly.

Nice To Haves

Experience with third-party certification programs and auditing; SQF, FSSC or another GFSI-recognized scheme qualification is preferred.

Responsibilities

Act as the primary regional point of contact for QFS systems and standards, partnering with global Food Safety, Quality and standards teams.
Provide US and Canada expertise, business input and operational insight to support the design and ongoing improvement of QFS systems and standards.
Serve as the accountable custodian and gatekeeper for implementation of applicable Danone QFS Standards and Requirements across categories and business activities.
Provide governance for the deployment of new and existing QFS systems and standards across manufacturing plants, Quality in Design, sourcing and route-to-market activities.
Develop business impact assessments, implementation plans, resource requirements and clear recommendations for new or revised systems and standards.
Coordinate communication, education and training so category and site teams can effectively cascade, implement and sustain requirements.
Promote standardization, simplify ways of working and identify synergies through a continuous improvement mindset.
Drive execution of Culture of Quality roadmap in partnership with Global, regional and local teams.
Lead QFS third-party certification programs and qualification processes for products and manufacturing locations in the United States and Canada.
Serve as the key QFS decision point for certification matters and represent the company with certifying bodies, as appropriate.
Ensure certification requirements are translated into effective processes, documentation, testing, verification and records.
Lead material or finished-product compliance activities required by certification programs, including analysis and reporting of results in partnership with Regulatory and manufacturing teams.
Act as a subject matter expert and primary resource for manufacturing plants on certification requirements and related QFS expectations.
Maintain awareness of relevant regulatory and certifying-agency requirements that affect assigned certification, labeling and artwork responsibilities.
Lead the QFS graphic and artwork approval process across the manufacturing network and product portfolio in the United States and Canada.
Represent QFS on certification, artwork and labeling projects, including new product launches, label changes, plant trials and formulation or material changes.
Ensure QFS review and approval activities meet internal requirements and applicable external obligations.
Provide education and technical guidance to plants and cross-functional partners on label control, graphic standards, certifications and product coding requirements.
Partner with Regulatory and other technical functions on matters including nutrition facts panels, allergen labeling, certification claims and other labeling requirements within the role scope.
Build strong relationships, collaborate and strengthen cross-functional ways of working to deliver products that meet Danone requirements.
Develop partnerships with global functional peers and participate in cross-business initiatives where applicable.
Lead change, resolve complex issues and align stakeholders around practical, compliant and timely solutions.
Enable excellence in execution by connecting policy and standards with the realities of plant, innovation, commercialization and supply operations.
Directly manage and lead a team of managers and specialists responsible for QFS systems, standards, certifications and artwork or labeling processes.
Set clear priorities, accountabilities and performance expectations for the team.
Build capability through coaching, developmental plans, feedback and succession planning.
Develop, manage and continuously improve key performance indicators for the function.
Ensure robust documentation, record keeping, knowledge management and continuity of critical processes.