We have a fantastic opportunity for an innovative and passionate Product Change & Technology Manager to join our talented and dynamic manufacturing team in Balclutha. As a vital member of the Operations team, you'll play a crucial role in driving the factory's success. You will ensure that Safety, Quality, Costs, Delivery, and Nature targets are met and enhanced in all projects and initiatives relating to production processes and product changes. If you thrive in a collaborative environment and have a knack for leading transformative projects, this is the role for you!

Reporting to the Plant Manager, you will play a pivotal role in the factory’s technological advancement and continuous improvement efforts. Your responsibilities will include conducting and validating feasibility studies for new product introductions, ensuring secure, productive, and innovative processes. By defining and assessing key performance indices, you will directly contribute to the successful integration of new products, making a tangible impact on our operations.

Your responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):

• Lead development and validation of new materials and recipes in Balclutha before handover from Research & Innovation to Operations.
• Define product and processing specs, monitoring, and improvement plans before production transfer.
• Supports Production/Quality/Performance departments with continuous improvement initiatives focusing primarily on Losses.
• Lead the New Product Introduction process and support system, and process development initiatives
• Lead and support projects in the areas of technology assessment and industrialisation.
• Serves as the New Product Introduction systems expert, supporting ERP/master data developments and ensuring SOPs are audit-ready and updated.
• Accountable for new materials/recipes validation and handover to the processing lines.
• Build team expertise by developing technological capabilities, aligning with business impact, and driving performance-focused local initiatives.
• Define factory technology targets in new projects and foster internal and external networks to elevate team knowledge and competitiveness.
• Ensure new product introduction is done as per industry best practices and in compliance with Danone standards

You are an experienced professional who thrives on cross-functional collaboration and excels with an inclusive working style. If you have a knack for negotiating and engaging stakeholders, this role is perfect for you. Your background in a fast-paced manufacturing or engineering environment, especially handling New Product Introduction, Research and Innovation, or Change Management projects, will be a significant asset. Bring your positive attitude, build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, and become a vital part of our team. This is your opportunity to shine and make a genuine impact in a company recognized as a great place to work!

To be successful, you will also have:

• Tertiary qualification in Engineering/Food Science/Food Processing/Food Technology or equivalent.
• 8+ years of cross-functional experience in Manufacturing/Quality, and Product Development, with a strong preference for Nutrition, Food, or Dairy sectors.
• Proven expertise in product/process development, nutritional formulation, production operations, engineering, and end-to-end project management.
• Prior experience in dairy, powder, or milk processing, ideally with expertise in spray drying technology.
• Strong influencing and project management.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Demonstrates exceptional team management skills, effectively garnering support for organizational goals.
• Leadership in change and continuous improvement initiatives.

We truly value our Danoners and strive to make their experience exceptional by creating a positive and fulfilling environment for everyone. Our unique benefits are designed to enhance the lives and provide genuine value.

• A high-performing, collaborative team culture
• Flexible Hybrid working
• Thank Danone it’s Friday! 3pm finishes every Friday
• Diverse and inclusive work environment
• Personalised learning opportunities to set you up for success
• Competitive Total Reward package including
  • Health, Life, and salary continuance insurance
  • 26 weeks of gender-neutral paid parental leave
  • Employee Share Subscription Plan after 12 months of service
  • Performance-related incentives and annual reviews

 More about Us:

At Danone, we aim to inspire healthier and more sustainable eating and drinking practices, in line with our Vision - Danone, One Planet. One Health.  We operate across four business lines: Essential Dairy and Plant-Based Products, Waters, Early Life Nutrition, and Medical Nutrition. Our headquarters are in France, we have offices in 55 countries across the globe, and our products are sold in over 120 markets. We have been around for more than a century and are the proud owners of some of the best-known brands worldwide, including favorites like YoPro, Activia, Aptamil and Karicare

Danone ANZ focuses on dairy and specialized nutrition products for infants and adults and is proud to be awarded the Great Place to Work accreditation winner for ANZ in 2022, 2023 & 2024 – a globally recognised program where we feature as one of Australia’s top places to work.

Visit our website WE ARE DANONE to know more about us.

How to Apply

If this opportunity resonates with you and you’re eager to shape and define this role, then go ahead and seize the moment. Click on the APPLY button and share your resume with us before 10th June 2025.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

We proudly affirm that we are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, and our ambition is to foster an INCLUSIVE & DIVERSE workplace where all Danoners can bring their uniqueness to contribute to business results. Our commitment to DEI ensures that all qualified individuals receive fair consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and disability at our company.