Quality Assurance Manager

The Company

Our client is a market leader in food manufacturing, supplying a broad customer base across Australia from major retail and food service accounts through to specialty and export markets. Built on a reputation for consistent product quality, rigorous food safety standards, and a genuine commitment to continuous improvement, they are widely respected across the industry. This is an organisation that invests in its people. Structured career pathways, strong succession planning, and a culture that rewards initiative make this an employer of choice in the sector.

The Role

A hands-on leadership role reporting to Senior leadership, with full accountability for the site’s quality function. You will lead a team responsible for food safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across the manufacturing operation.

• Lead and develop the quality team, setting clear expectations, coaching performance, and building capability across the function.
• Own and maintain the site’s HACCP plans, food safety programs, and quality management systems in line with FSANZ and relevant standards (e.g. SQF, BRC)
• Drive a culture of quality and food safety across all site functions — production, logistics, and warehouse, through engagement, training, and clear accountability.
• Oversee internal audits, supplier audits, and third-party certification audits, ensuring ongoing compliance and continuous improvement.
• Manage non-conformances, customer complaints, and corrective actions through to resolution, with robust root cause analysis and preventative action.
• Monitor quality KPIs, analyse data trends, and implement process improvements to reduce waste, defects, and rework.
• Partner with production, NPD, and procurement teams to embed quality at every stage: from raw material intake through to finished goods release.
• Liaise with customers and regulatory bodies on quality matters, representing the business with professionalism and technical credibility.

Your Background

You’re an experienced quality professional with a strong technical foundation and the leadership presence to drive real change across a manufacturing site.

• Proven experience in a quality management role within food manufacturing or FMCG: ideally at site or function leadership level.
• Deep working knowledge of HACCP, food safety legislation, and GFSI-recognised certification schemes (SQF, BRC, or equivalent).
• Tertiary qualification in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related discipline (or equivalent industry experience)
• Demonstrated people leadership skills: you know how to build engaged teams and hold people accountable in a constructive way.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills: comfortable engaging with production teams, senior leadership, customers, and auditors alike.
• Continuous improvement mindset: you look for better ways and bring the team along with you.
• Composed under pressure, with the ability to manage competing priorities and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.

What's on Offer

This is a rare opportunity to join a genuine market leader at a moment of internal momentum. With a strong track record of promoting from within and a clear commitment to developing its leaders, this organisation offers a platform for meaningful career advancement.

You’ll be stepping into a business that is well-established and highly regarded in its field with the support of an experienced senior leadership team and a culture that recognises and rewards performance. For the right leader, this role is a genuine stepping stone to broader opportunities within a growing business.

Apply or enquire confidentially to Emily Gough (***email_hidden***)