Role Overview
This QA Manager is responsible for leading the Quality Assurance function within a high-volume food manufacturing environment. This role ensures all products meet food safety, regulatory, and customer standards, while driving continuous improvement across quality systems and processes.
The Client
Located in Western Sydney, this large-scale food manufacturing facility specialises in processing and packaging fresh and value-added meat products. It operates in a high-volume, fast-paced environment with strict food safety and quality standards, including HACCP-based systems. The site includes production lines, cold storage, and distribution functions, supported by quality assurance, logistics, and operations teams to ensure consistent product quality and compliance with regulatory and customer requirements.
For you
* Salary of $150k + Super!
* Free onsite parking!
Key Responsibilities
In this role you will oversee the QA team across both day and afternoon shift operations. You will have QA supervisors on each shift managing QA / AC officers and report directly to the operations manager. We are looking for a Hands-on leader who loves to live on the production floor. This is not an Ivory tower setting and you need to influence the full QA function on the floor on a day-to-basis is key to this role's success.
* Build and lead a high-performing, respected QA team on site.
* Drive a positive quality and food safety culture, ensuring team commitment beyond mere compliance.
* Maintain and continuously improve the site's Quality Management System in line with industry standards.
* Develop team capability through targeted training initiatives, skills matrices, and coaching activities.
* Partner closely with Operations to integrate QA activities into daily production routines and workflows.
* Analyse data, trends, and utilise lean thinking approaches to support continuous improvement initiatives.
* Promote and champion safety and compliant behaviours across the site to uphold food safety standards.
* Support and lead initiatives to embed quality processes within manufacturing operations and encourage accountability across teams.
Food Safety & Compliance
* Ensure compliance with Australian food safety regulations and standards (e.g., HACCP, FSANZ, and certification schemes such as SQF or BRC)
* Maintain and improve the site's Food Safety and Quality Management System
* Act as the primary contact for regulatory authorities and external auditors
Quality Systems Management
* Develop, implement, and maintain QA policies, procedures, and documentation
* Oversee product specifications, traceability systems, and recall procedures
* Ensure compliance with customer and export requirements
* Lead, coach, and develop the QA team, including QA officers and technicians
* Promote a strong food safety and quality culture across all departments
* Deliver training on quality standards and compliance requirements
Audits & Inspections
* Lead and manage internal, external, and customer audits
* Ensure audit readiness and timely closure of non-conformances
* Drive continuous improvement based on audit outcomes
Supplier & Raw Material Quality
* Manage supplier approval programs and performance monitoring
* Ensure all incoming materials meet required safety and quality standards
Production Support
* Collaborate with operations to ensure quality standards are maintained during production
* Investigate quality issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions
* Monitor quality KPIs such as defects, complaints, and waste
* Lead initiatives to enhance product quality, consistency, and shelf life
* Identify and implement process improvements and best practices
Working Conditions
* Based in a manufacturing environment, including chilled areas
* Use of PPE required
* Flexibility to support production schedules and respond to quality issues
Performance Measures (KPIs)
* Audit performance and certification outcomes
* Customer complaints and non-conformance rates
* Product quality and compliance metrics
* Team capability and training completion
Skills & Experience
You will have demonstrated experience in a full QA Managerial role in a food manufacturing environment. Experience in hands on roles in production environments, a leader that earns respect rather than demands it and one that isn't afraid to get their hands dirty by leading the way on a daily basis.
Essential
* Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or related discipline
* Proven QA Management experience within food manufacturing (meat processing highly regarded)
* Strong understanding of HACCP and food safety standards
* Experience managing audits and regulatory compliance
* Demonstrated leadership experience
* Proven ability to lead audit processes, including retail, third-party, and import/export compliance.
* Strong technical knowledge of food safety, quality assurance practices, and HACCP procedures.
* Practical leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop teams.
* Excellent organisational and communication skills, capable of influencing across all levels of the organisation.
* Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and an ability to analyse data to inform decision-making.
* Certification in SQF or equivalent
* Experience with retailer and export standards
* Knowledge of Lean or continuous improvement methodologies
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