Sr Manager, QFS COE, Risk Management at Danone in US-CO-Louisville

Job description

• The Risk Management Senior Manager provides visible QFS leadership by setting strong governance, enabling risk-based decision-making, and driving proactive mitigation of Quality & Food Safety risks across the region. This role partners with global QFS, category, QiD, operations, and cross-functional stakeholders to identify emerging risks, translate standards into practical execution, and strengthen capability, ownership, and accountability across the network. Through data-driven analysis, leadership courage, collaboration, and continuous improvement, the role supports compliant, resilient, and efficient delivery of products that meet Danone requirements and protect consumers.

Responsibilities

• 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:
• QFS Risk Management
• Governance and change management: Establish governance for risk management and mitigation, including concessions and derogations; provide change management oversight for new or modified processes; and complete business impact assessments related to implementation changes.
• Risk identification and assessment: Identify and communicate existing and emerging regional QFS risks; partner with category and QiD leads to uncover risks using tools such as SWOT analysis and historical data review; and evaluate potential impact and likelihood of occurrence.
• Risk prioritization and communication: Prioritize and communicate QFS risks based on severity and probability, using qualitative and quantitative analysis to support clear, risk-based decision-making.
• Risk reduction and continuous improvement: Develop and implement strategies to reduce or eliminate the impact of identified risks, and share mitigation actions across the regional network to ensure lessons are applied where appropriate.
• Cross-functional leadership and product delivery
• 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.
• Enable excellence in execution by connecting policy and standards with the realities of plant, innovation, commercialization and supply operations.
• Ensure robust documentation, record keeping, knowledge management and continuity of critical processes.
• Passion for standardization and finding synergies through continuous improvement mindset.
• Excellent communication skills and leadership courage.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills to drive change within the organization.
• Strong focus on enabling excellence in execution.
• Facts and data driven, with strong synthesis and analytical capabilities

Requirements

• The ideal candidate will bring a combination of education, experience, and skills that enable them to excel in this position. The following qualifications outline what we’re looking for, including both required and preferred criteria:
• Bachelor's degree in Science, Food Science, Food Technology or a related technical discipline.
• At least 7 years of combined experience in quality, food safety, ingredients, food packaging, manufacturing processes or related technical functions.
• Excellent understanding of Quality & Food Safety systems and current food regulations applicable to the role scope.
• Solid understanding of plant production systems, manufacturing equipment, Good Manufacturing Practices, sanitation and related operational controls.
• Demonstrated experience driving corrective action, process improvement and sustainable change across functions or sites.
• Located in WP or LSVL or a Factory location, Travel 25%.
• Strong ownership and visible demonstration of Danone behaviors and values.
• Passion for standardization, simplification and continuous improvement.
• Strong leadership courage, sound judgment and the ability to make and communicate clear decisions.
• Excellent collaboration and influencing skills across functions, levels, sites and geographies.
• Ability to manage deadlines and multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Facts- and data-driven approach with strong analytical, synthesis and problem-solving capability.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, documentation and record-keeping skills.
• Adaptable, self-directed and results-oriented, with the ability to work independently and handle confidential information.
• Ability to learn and use new systems, tools and programs quickly.

Skills

Required

• Strong leadership courage
• Excellent communication skills
• Quality & Food Safety systems
• Food regulations
• Plant production systems
• Manufacturing equipment
• Good Manufacturing Practices
• Sanitation
• Operational controls
• SWOT analysis
• Data analysis