Senior Project Manager

Role overview

This role offers the chance to drive innovation into the market while creating a meaningful business impact. The Senior Project Manager will oversee a varied set of innovation, renovation, and operational initiatives within the Specialized Nutrition business from Auckland.

You will also lead a small team and serve as the main coordination point for operational projects, working closely with local, regional, and global stakeholders to turn ideas into delivered outcomes.

Key responsibilities

• Manage operational projects from start to finish, including innovation launches and product renovation work.
• Coordinate the successful delivery of projects that involve third-party manufacturing partners.
• Take ownership of the artwork management workflow, strengthening governance, stakeholder alignment, and on-time delivery while balancing commercial priorities and operational limits.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team made up of 2 Project Managers and 1 Graphic Chain Manager.
• Set up clear project frameworks, schedules, and milestone plans to support effective execution.
• Work across quality, R&D, marketing, manufacturing, supply chain, finance, and other functions to keep projects moving.
• Spot risks early and put mitigation actions in place to protect timelines and outcomes.
• Act as the central escalation point for project issues and resolve challenges quickly and clearly.
• Promote consistent project management methods and look for opportunities to improve how work is delivered.
• Create and maintain strong working relationships with internal teams and external partners to ensure shared direction and successful delivery.

What we are looking for

The ideal candidate is a collaborative and motivated project leader who performs well in a fast-moving setting. You should be comfortable simplifying complexity, coordinating across different teams, and managing several priorities at once. Strong relationship-building, positive influence, and a practical continuous-improvement mindset are important for success in this position.

Experience and qualifications

• 8 to 10 years of work experience overall, with at least half of that time spent leading or managing projects.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing capability, including the ability to deliver through cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Experience handling competing priorities and working effectively in ambiguous, fast-paced environments.
• A self-driven, independent, and solution-oriented approach, with evidence of delivering outcomes and process improvements.
• Experience improving processes, governance, or working methods, including complex cross-functional processes such as artwork management.
• Background in FMCG, manufacturing, innovation, or operational settings is considered an advantage.
• PMP certification or an equivalent project management qualification is helpful but not mandatory.
• A degree in Science, Business, Engineering, Project Management, or a closely related field.

Benefits and workplace culture

• Supportive and high-performing team environment.
• Flexible hybrid working arrangement.
• Friday finishes at 3:00 pm as part of the company’s weekly rhythm.
• Inclusive and diverse workplace culture.
• Access to personalised learning opportunities.
• Competitive total rewards package.
• Health and life insurance benefits.
• 26 weeks of paid parental leave available regardless of gender.
• Employee Share Subscription Plan available after 12 months of service.
• Performance-linked incentives and yearly reviews.

About the organisation

Danone focuses on encouraging healthier and more sustainable food and drink habits through its One Planet. One Health vision. The company works across major categories such as dairy, plant-based products, and specialised nutrition, and is home to well-known brands with global recognition.

Danone ANZ has also been recognised as a Great Place to Work for five consecutive years, reflecting its investment in culture and people.

Application and inclusion

Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume through the application process.

Danone is committed to an inclusive workplace where people can bring their authentic selves to work. The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and gives fair consideration to every applicant.