Validation Manager at Synlait External Careers Site

Rakaia, Canterbury, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

19 May, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

18 Feb, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Validation Strategy, Leadership, Compliance, Audit Readiness, Continuous Improvement, Stakeholder Management, Risk Assessment, KPI Reporting, Commissioning, Qualification, Team Development, GMP, Problem-Solving, Decision-Making, Organizational Skills, Mentoring

Industry

Food and Beverage Manufacturing

Description

About the role Seeking an experienced Validation Manager to lead validation strategies for equipment, systems, and processes across our Dunsandel site. This is a strategic leadership role where your expertise will guide validation practices across equipment, systems, and processes, ensuring compliance, audit readiness, and continuous improvement. You’ll be at the heart of our operations, working closely with Quality, Manufacturing, Projects and Engineering teams. In this role, your leadership will shape how validation is done now and into the future, building capability, driving culture, and influencing key business decisions. What you’ll do Lead and develop the Validation team,, driving a high-performing, collaborative, and accountable culture. Shape and implement validation strategies that align with business objectives and regulatory expectations Partner with senior stakeholders across Quality, Manufacturing, Projects, and Engineering to embed validation excellence across the organisation Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and audit readiness in validation practices Lead risk assessments and strategic decision-making for critical systems and processes Own and report on validation KPIs, providing insights and recommendations to senior leadership Act as the primary validation authority during audits, leading responses, and ensuring corrective actions are delivered effectively Influence project delivery by providing strategic guidance on commissioning, qualification, and compliance Coach, mentor, and inspire your team to deliver with integrity, precision, and impact What we’re looking for You will be a hands-on validation expert who leads with integrity, builds strong teams, and keeps quality and compliance right on the mark. Proven experience leading validation in regulated manufacturing environments, ideally dairy or food processing Strong knowledge of GMP and validation principles Demonstrated leadership capability with experience developing high-performing teams Ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels of the business Experience supporting audits and maintaining audit readiness Exceptional problem-solving, decision-making, and organisational skills About us – The Synlait Spirit Synlait is more than a global leader in milk nutrition – we're a purpose-led team that’s Doing Milk Differently For A Healthier World. Our Synlait Spirit guides everything we do, from how we show up each day to the impact we create together. You’ll be joining an authentic, down-to-earth team that lives the three values that underpin the Synlait Spirit. Be The Difference means we understand before we act – that means asking why, supporting each other to think differently, stay curious, and continuously look for smarter ways to deliver value. Whether it’s in the paddock, the plant or the boardroom, we’re driven by impact and inspired to make a meaningful difference every day. We Move as One by working together with respect, trust and a shared commitment to doing what’s right. We collaborate across teams to deliver innovative solutions and create opportunity for those around us. We feed the world’s most vulnerable, including newborn babies, so we have to be Right on the Mark. That means we take accountability seriously, act with courage and focus our energy on what matters most. We combine expert farming and state of the art processing to deliver high quality nutritional products to all over the world. At Synlait you’ll be challenged and supported to grow. We know everyone brings something unique to the table so we’re an inclusive workplace, where diverse perspectives fuel innovation and success. What we offer: Health insurance cover & partnered with top brands for great benefits and discounts Excellent parental leave with our Matua policy B CorpTM certified Social Club membership opportunities What's next? Apply now! Include your most recent CV and cover letter summarising your abilities and what you can bring to Synlait. We wish you the best of luck in your application. We encourage you to apply early as we will be reviewing applications regularly and may close the advertisement early. Together we will continue to create a workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute their best. Applicants outside of New Zealand will only be considered if you have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand. #LI-KT1

Responsibilities

The Validation Manager will lead and develop the Validation team, shaping and implementing validation strategies that align with business objectives and regulatory expectations. This role involves driving continuous improvement, leading risk assessments, and acting as the primary validation authority during audits.