Our client Essantis are passionate, inspired producers of Australian grown plant based food and beverage ingredients.

For over 40 years our customers have relied upon us to provide healthy, natural foods, grown in Australia for those at home and for millions around the world.

We’re proud of our history, our success and our reputation, and we’re hungry to grow, innovate and produce more of the foods people love to eat.

Role

Reporting to the GM of Operations and based in Smeaton, Victoria, on a 9 month fixed term contract the Quality Manager will be responsible for coordinating and managing the ongoing quality assurance and food safety programs across Essantis' VIC operations, including the Smeaton Oat Mill, Pulse Mill, Pulse Protein Plant, Milk Plant and Animal Nutrition Mill.

This leadership position (4 direct reports) ensures compliance with internal standards, customer requirements and relevant legislation to maintain the highest level of product quality and food safety.

You will look after the following:

- Oversee and lead the quality assurance (QA) programs and drive the food safety culture across the Smeaton site.
- Review and evaluate the effectiveness of current QA standards, policies, and procedures.
- Collaborate with the production & administration teams to ensure we consistently meet customer specifications and expectations.
- Develop a clear and concise quality strategy in conjunction with Management, highlighting areas for improvement and forward priorities.
- Actively manage the Food Safety, GMP and overall Quality Management System including compliance with all certifications (SQF, HACCP, Feedsafe, HALAL, Kosher,



NASAA organic and DAWR). Manage Vendor Quality Assurance program and controls.
- Manage the site Quality team including coaching and mentoring direct reports.
- Ensure the Quality Team are appropriately qualified and trained to meet company requirements.
- Oversee the performance of laboratory testing, analysis, and result recording in line with company policies.
- Serve as the SQF Practitioner, responsible for implementing and maintaining SQF food safety systems.

Skills Required

Most importantly, this is a business of dynamic and passionate manufacturing professionals. As such the ideal candidate will come from a food or beverage background who is technically astute and passionate about people.

- Previous experience as a Quality Manager within a food processing and/or beverage manufacturing.
- Relevant degree in food technology, food science or quality management.
- SQF and HACCP qualified practitioner.
- Strong understanding of regulatory standards (local and international) including FSANZ, DAWR and other relevant food related regulations.
- Knowledge of SQF, HACCP, GMP and document control systems.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated experience in corresponding directly with customers in a skilled manner and responding to NCR's
- The ability to build collaborative and establish productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Problem solving skills and solutions focused using such methods as 5 Why, Fishbone or A3.
- Live our company values - Honesty, Accountability, Passion and Boldness

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📌 Quality Manager - Fixed Term Contract (Melbourne)
🏢 Loop Recruitment
📍 Melbourne