Compliance Manager

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and highly organised Compliance Manager – Food Safety & Health and Safety to lead, maintain, and continuously improve compliance standards across one of New Zealand's largest supermarket operations.

Key Responsibilities

Food Safety & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with the Food Act 2014, Food Control Plans, and National Programmes
• Maintain, implement, and review Food Safety Management Systems
• Lead and prepare for internal and external food safety audits, inspections, and verifications
• Manage corrective actions, non-conformances, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Ensure accurate documentation, record-keeping, and reporting
• Oversee allergen management, product recalls, traceability, and supplier compliance
• Train and coach teams on food safety standards, hygiene practices, and legal obligations

Health & Safety Management 

• Lead compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
• Develop, implement, and maintain Health & Safety systems, policies, and procedures
• Identify hazards, assess risks, and ensure effective control measures are in place
• Lead incident reporting, investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective actions
• Monitor contractor and visitor health and safety compliance
• Ensure emergency procedures, drills, and safety equipment are maintained and tested
• Promote a proactive safety culture through engagement, education, and leadership

Audit, Reporting & Governance

• Coordinate and manage internal audits and compliance reviews
• Prepare reports for senior leadership on compliance performance, trends, and risks
• Ensure timely closure of audit actions and compliance gaps
• Act as the primary liaison with regulators, auditors, and external agencies
• Stay current with changes in legislation, standards, and industry best practice

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Influence and support leadership teams to embed compliance into daily operations
• Coach and mentor managers and team members on compliance responsibilities
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce risk and enhance safety outcomes
• Support change management and new initiatives from a compliance perspective

Skills, Experience & Attributes

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience in Food Safety and/or Health & Safety compliance
• Strong knowledge of New Zealand food and health & safety legislation
• Experience working within retail, supermarket, food manufacturing, or hospitality environments
• Demonstrated experience leading audits and regulatory inspections
• Excellent attention to detail with strong documentation and reporting skills
• Confident communicator able to engage at all levels of the business
• Strong problem-solving and risk-management capability
• Ability to work independently while influencing without direct authority

Preferred Qualifications

• Food Safety qualifications (e.g. HACCP, Food Control Plan management)
• Health & Safety qualifications (e.g. NZQA Level 4 or higher)
• Lead Auditor or Internal Auditor certification
• Experience in large, multi-department retail operations

Personal Attributes

• High integrity and strong sense of accountability
• Calm and methodical under pressure
• Practical and solutions-focused approach
• Strong leadership presence with a coaching mindset
• Highly organised with excellent time-management skills
• Passionate about safety, compliance, and continuous improvement

Why Join Us?

• Work within one of New Zealand's largest and most respected supermarket organisations
• Influence safety and compliance outcomes at scale
• Be part of a values-driven, people-focused organisation
• Competitive remuneration and career development opportunities