Job Description
* Partner closely with Sourcing and R&D to develop raw materials aligned with our regional and global business strategies
* Mars Pet Nutrition Australia, home to loved brands such as Pedigree, Whiskas, Advance
* Permanent full-time based onsite – Wodonga (Vic), Bathurst (NSW) or from our Melbourne office.
About the role
As part of Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA), the technical arm of Commercial, you'll partner closely with suppliers, R&D, Sourcing, Q&FS, and Supply to ensure raw materials meet our quality and food safety standards and specifications.
As our Senior Supplier Quality Assurance Specialist, you'll work closely with Sourcing and R&D to validate, verify and manage the supply of raw materials across all Mars Pet Nutrition facilities.
This is a highly collaborative, hands‐on role involving supplier audits and site visits across Australia and New Zealand.
What You'll Be Doing
In this role, you'll:
* Assess supplier capability to meet Mars Quality Standards. Validate and verify new and existing suppliers through the Material Quality Management (MQM) process
* Audit upstream manufacturers in line with the Mars Audit Standard and confirm supplier mitigation data into material risk assessments
* Own quality compliance and food safety management for a portfolio of raw materials - use data analysis to drive ambitious quality targets and continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers
* Resolve raw material technical/quality non-conformances through thorough root cause analysis and defining corrective and preventive actions with suppliers
* Partner with global and local sourcing teams on cost saving initiatives and sourcing strategies
* Leverage digital tools and data to provide insights into how to continuously improve raw material quality and optimise SQA related processes
* Be an active contributor and mentor to the SQA team, sharing best practice and supporting team growth
What You Bring
* A Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, or a related technical discipline
* 5+ years experience in Quality & Food Safety or related Technical function, ideally within the petfood or food industry
* Strong understanding of HACCP / Quality Management Systems and preferable certified Lead auditor FSC 22000
* Well developed knowledge of quality systems, risk management tools, and auditing principles
* A strong problem-solving mindset and collaborative working style
* Lead Auditor certification (or willingness to obtain)
* Willingness to travel as required to support suppliers and sites
Why Join Us
* A role with real technical influence and commercial impact
* Exposure to local and global suppliers and cross-functional teams
* Opportunities to grow your expertise in quality, sourcing, and supplier development
* A supportive, values‐led environment where continuous improvement is encouraged
There is a possibility for this role to be based from either Melbourne or Bathurst – further discussion required.
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