Kaitaki Haumarutanga Kai, NPD NPD and Food Safety Manager

Z customers love our food and beverage range and this role plays a key part in ensuring we offer delicious new and safe options to them. If you are passionate about creating new products for customers to enjoy and equally motivated to ensure robust food safety procedures this could be just for you! 

One of our team is off on their parental leave journey and this role is a 12-month fixed term contract starting as soon as possible.  

In this role you will oversee both the development and execution of our Food Safety Strategy ensuring compliance throughout our retail sites by building strong relationships and creating practical solutions. You will work closely with our team of passionate Food & Coffee Category Managers supporting the product development process so our new offerings are high quality safe innovative and ready to launch with confidence!

This role can be based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland Ōtautahi Christchurch or Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington.

You will have the opportunity to

• Manage Zs food safety management system including auditing documentation data and traceability
• Monitor any customer complaints and ensure investigations are completed to a high standard and preventative actions are in place
• Conduct Food Safety reporting and updates
• Ensure safe product is delivered to Z sites from our suppliers
• Work in partnership with Food to Go and Coffee category teams to drive compelling new product development
• Work closely with suppliers to deliver new product development in line with our food development pipeline
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement across Zs food and beverage offer with your strong understanding of best practice and new technology

Qualifications :

What youll bring to Z

• Strong demonstrated experience in food manufacturing or retail food in a Product Development or QA role
• Relevant qualification in Food Science or Technology
• Knowledge of relevant NZ Food Safety Legislation and best practice
• A strong influencer and motivator in order to excite and bring about change
• The ability to see trends and identify customer behaviour and make recommendations based on evidence and data
• A passion for food beverage and product development

And of course youll be passionate about what matters to Z embracing and living our values to help us deliver on our aspirations and broader commitment to Aotearoa New Zealand.

Dont meet every single requirement At Z we are dedicated to building a diverse inclusive and authentic workplace so if youre excited about this role but your past experience doesnt align perfectly with every qualification in the job description we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Additional Information :

What we can offer you

• A competitive remuneration package including enhanced employer contribution for KiwiSaver
• Generous leave provisions including sick leave
• The balance of hybrid working enjoy some of your week at home and some in our welcoming office space
• Access to Zs Benefits & Recognition platform providing you access to retail discounts and cashbacks at over 150 retailers in Aotearoa New Zealand that assist with everyday living expenses
• The opportunity to contribute and be part of a supportive team that is here to make a difference
• A chance to build your own capability through learning from some of the industrys most knowledgeable people who have a desire to share their insights along with access to upskilling opportunities and career development across the organisation
• Two days a year to do Good in your Hood though our volunteering scheme a chance for you to help others in your community in a meaningful way to you

The base salary range for this role is $128000 to $150550 per annum we also offer a 5% KiwiSaver employer contribution. 

Why Z

Z has always been a proud Kiwi company. Were aspirational for our future confident of our role in Aotearoa New Zealands success and deeply loyal to our customers communities and people.

At Z we focus on achieving extraordinary outcomes by setting the appropriate context rather than by telling our people what to do. By doing this high performing and talented people deliver better results and are more personally fulfilled.

We care deeply for our people while pushing them to achieve their best as individuals and collectively as an organisation. Our flexible working approach and Rainbow Tick and Gender Tick accreditations - backed by our strong company values Tū Kaha Stand Up Tū Maia Speak Out Tū Kotahi Side by Side - have created an open and inclusive workplace that promotes personal development and is underpinned by a desire for our people and our communities to succeed.

One of the things we stand for at Z is Diversity & Inclusion. It is our belief that having a diverse workforce make it possible for our people to truly be themselves and deliver on our aspirations for Z.

Were distinctive in our approach and if youre up for a challenge wed love you to be part of it. If Z sounds like a place you believe you can add value and grow your own capability then make sure you read Our Why. This is our founding document and provides further insights in what it means to part of the Z whānau.

If Z feels like a good match for your head and your heart come join us for one heck of a journey!

Whakauru Apply

Please include a cover letter in your application telling us why youre a great fit for Z.

Applications close: Friday 7th November 2025

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.

To be considered for this position you must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Contract