Process & Product Manager

General Information

Job Title Process & Product Manager Location New Zealand - Pokeno Date Published Friday, October 3, 2025 Ref # 313 Work Type Permanent Business Unit Supply Chain & Operations

Short Summary

Play a key role in delivering premium infant nutrition. Join a values-driven team, leading process optimisation and product quality at scale.

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 blend science and care to create dairy products that make a real difference. From our farmers to our consumers, we’re committed to delivering quality at every step. As we continue to grow, we're looking for a Process and Product Manager to join our New Zealand-based team and play a critical role in ensuring our products consistently meet the highest technical and quality standards.

Reporting to the Head of Product Development & Technical and based at our Pokeno facility, you will be responsible for ensuring the smooth transition of new formulations from development to full-scale production, and for supporting the day-to-day manufacture of high-quality, on-spec infant formula and dairy powders. You’ll work closely with operations, production, and global process experts to optimise processes, enhance efficiency, and drive continuous improvement across the supply chain.

More specifically, you will be involved in:    

• Managing and maintaining robust technical documentation (e.g., specifications, SOPs, manufacturing parameters) to support consistent, high-quality production.
• Analysing product data and trends across base and finished products, applying 6-sigma methodologies to identify areas for improvement.
• Supporting RCA investigations and implementing corrective/preventative actions for out-of-spec products.
• Collaborating with operations and global process teams to optimise production processes and implement cost-saving initiatives.
• Delivering accurate technical documents in a timely manner to support manufacturing and ensure on-time delivery of product.
• Leading continuous improvement projects across evaporation, spray drying, blending, and canning.
• Developing and mentoring team members to build internal capability.

What You Will Bring:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Engineering, Food Technology, Biochemistry, Nutrition, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 5+ years’ experience in the infant nutrition industry, with strong knowledge of wet processing, spray drying, dry blending, and formulation development.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to apply data-driven insights to improve processes and outcomes.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience collaborating across technical, operations, and leadership teams.
• Experience working in a high-specification, safety- and quality-led manufacturing environment.
• A proactive, continuous improvement mindset with a passion for delivering excellent products.

What We Offer

• A supportive team culture with learning and development opportunities
• Free breakfast and lunch provided in our onsite cafeteria
• Subsidised gym membership
• Social club

Apply Now

If this sounds like you, please submit your CV. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a phone screening.