Head of Technical and R&D - Auckland

Role Overview

This position leads the technical, R&D, and regulatory agenda for a global dairy and infant formula business in Auckland. The role is focused on bringing new products into commercial production, strengthening site-level compliance, and supporting long-term market access and business growth.

Business Context

• The company is at an important stage of transformation and needs strong factory execution to move new product developments from early concepts into reliable, high-performing manufacturing.
• This appointment plays a key role in maintaining market access and regulatory alignment, especially through local technical capability that supports future growth in challenging international markets, with a particular focus on China.

Core Accountabilities

• Lead the commercialization of the site’s new product development pipeline from formulation through to scalable plant trials and production.
• Direct and support infant milk formula registration initiatives, ensuring site-level compliance with all applicable requirements.
• Oversee the preparation and maintenance of technical dossiers, documentation, and compliance reporting needed for regulatory submissions.
• Handle day-to-day technical matters at the plant, including process improvement, approval of raw materials, and rapid troubleshooting to keep operations running smoothly.
• Manage, coach, and coordinate a team of 6 technical staff members.

Candidate Profile

• Strong background in food technology or dairy science, with hands-on experience in infant formula development, manufacturing environments, and plant trials.
• Professional fluency in both English and Chinese (Mandarin) is highly preferred to help interpret requirements and engage with China-related regulatory stakeholders.
• Solid understanding of complex regulatory environments, especially those related to China.
• Confident communicator and people leader who can guide a technical team through urgent priorities, work effectively across cultures, and deliver within tight timelines.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Work closely with site and corporate leadership to convert technical compliance and innovation into commercial success.
• Take immediate ownership of a critical registration project that is central to the company’s strategic plan.
• Compensation is listed as an attractive package of approximately NZD 190,000 base salary plus bonuses.

Additional Information

This is a full-time, onsite role in Auckland, New Zealand.