Sr Manager, QFS COE, Systems, Standards and Certifications

Sr Manager, QFS COE, Systems, Standards and Certifications

Job Location s: US-CO-Louisville | US-NY-White Plains

The Systems, Standards and Certifications, Sr Manager leads the governance, deployment and continuous improvement of Quality & Food Safety systems, standards, certification programs and QFS artwork approval processes. The role connects regional business needs with global Quality & Food Safety teams, ensures internal and external requirements are translated into effective operating practices, and enables consistent execution across manufacturing plants, Quality in Design, sourcing, innovation and route-to-market activities.

This leader manages a team of managers and specialists and serves as the senior QFS point of contact for systems, standards, third-party certifications and QFS aspects of artwork and labeling. The role combines technical stewardship, cross-functional leadership, capability building, performance management and process improvement to support compliant, efficient product delivery.

As a key member of our team, you will play an important role in driving our mission forward. The following responsibilities outline the core expectations and contributions for this position:

Act as the primary regional point of contact for QFS systems and standards, partnering with global Food Safety, Quality and standards teams.

• Provide US and Canada expertise, business input and operational insight to support the design and ongoing improvement of QFS systems and standards.
• Serve as the accountable custodian and gatekeeper for implementation of applicable Danone QFS Standards and Requirements across categories and business activities.
• Provide governance for the deployment of new and existing QFS systems and standards across manufacturing plants, Quality in Design, sourcing and route-to-market activities.
• Develop business impact assessments, implementation plans, resource requirements and clear recommendations for new or revised systems and standards.
• Coordinate communication, education and training so category and site teams can effectively cascade, implement and sustain requirements.
• Promote standardization, simplify ways of working and identify synergies through a continuous improvement mindset.
• Drive execution of Culture of Quality roadmap in partnership with Global, regional and local teams

• Lead QFS third-party certification programs and qualification processes for products and manufacturing locations in the United States and Canada.
• Serve as the key QFS decision point for certification matters and represent the company with certifying bodies, as appropriate.
• Ensure certification requirements are translated into effective processes, documentation, testing, verification and records.
• Lead material or finished-product compliance activities required by certification programs, including analysis and reporting of results in partnership with Regulatory and manufacturing teams.
• Act as a subject matter expert and primary resource for manufacturing plants on certification requirements and related QFS expectations.
• Maintain awareness of relevant regulatory and certifying-agency requirements that affect assigned certification, labeling and artwork responsibilities.

• Lead the QFS graphic and artwork approval process across the manufacturing network and product portfolio in the United States and Canada.
• Represent QFS on certification, artwork and labeling projects, including new product launches, label changes, plant trials and formulation or material changes.
• Ensure QFS review and approval activities meet internal requirements and applicable external obligations.
• Provide education and technical guidance to plants and cross-functional partners on label control, graphic standards, certifications and product coding requirements.
• Partner with Regulatory and other technical functions on matters including nutrition facts panels, allergen labeling, certification claims and other labeling requirements within the role scope.

• Build strong relationships, collaborate and strengthen cross-functional ways of working to deliver products that meet Danone requirements.
• Develop partnerships with global functional peers and participate in cross-business initiatives where applicable.
• Lead change, resolve complex issues and align stakeholders around practical,…