Ready to lead a major manufacturing site through its next chapter of transformation and growth? Are you excited by the opportunity to shape strategy, build capability, and create a high-performing culture? As Plant Manager, you will lead Danone’s Auckland manufacturing site through its next phase of transformation, performance, and growth. This is a senior leadership role where you will shape strategy, build capability, and embed a high-performance culture while ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality, and compliance.

You will be accountable for delivering competitive manufacturing outcomes, driving operational excellence, and creating an engaged, empowered workforce aligned to Danone’s purpose: One Planet. One Health.

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

• Lead site performance, strategy, and transformation
• Build a strong safety‑first, quality‑led culture
• Implement Danone manufacturing standards and deliver efficiency targets
• Drive productivity and cost optimisation across manufacturing
• Develop, coach, and build a strong plant leadership pipeline
• Embed a coaching‑led, high‑performance culture and succession planning
• Own operational planning, budgets, and capital investment
• Partner effectively with internal, regional, and external stakeholders
•  Champion manufacturing excellence and digital ways of working
• Ensure food safety, quality, regulatory compliance, and community trust

You are a values‑led manufacturing leader who thrives in complex, fast‑moving environments and takes pride in building high‑performing teams, robust systems, and a strong, inclusive culture. You balance strategic thinking with visible, hands‑on leadership, bringing a genuine passion for continuous improvement, developing people, and driving sustainable transformation that delivers results that truly matter.

Ideally, you will have:

• Extensive senior leadership experience within manufacturing, operations, or supply chain environments
• A proven track record leading large‑scale operational or cultural transformation
• Strong expertise in safety, quality, food manufacturing, and continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience managing complex budgets, productivity targets, and capital investments
• The ability to engage diverse stakeholders and mobilise teams toward shared goals
• A relevant tertiary qualification in engineering, operations, or supply chain

You lead with integrity, curiosity, and courage; creating environments where people feel safe to contribute, challenge, and grow.

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 lives and provide genuine value:

• A high‑performing, collaborative team culture
• A diverse and inclusive work environment
• Personalised learning and development opportunities
• A competitive Total Rewards package including:
• Health and life insurance
• 26 weeks gender‑neutral paid parental leave
• Employee Share Subscription Plan
• Performance‑related incentives

More about us:

At Danone, we are driven by our vision One Planet. One Health, aiming to inspire healthier and more sustainable eating and drinking practices. We operate across Essential Dairy & Plant‑Based Products, Waters, and Specialised Nutrition, with trusted brands including Aptamil and Karicare. Danone ANZ is proud to be a Great Place to Work accredited organisation.

HOW TO APPLY

If this opportunity resonates with you and you are excited to shape the future of manufacturing at Danone, we would love to hear from you. Click APPLY and share your resume with us.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION (DEI)

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. At Danone, we are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone can bring their whole self to work and contribute to meaningful impact