Our client is an established and growing agricultural biotechnology company delivering innovative microbial solutions to enhance productivity and sustainable farming practices. With a strong reputation for scientific excellence and product reliability, they are expanding their commercial manufacturing capability in regional NSW
About the Role
Our client is seeking an experienced Quality Assurance & Manufacturing Head to lead their production and quality operations. This is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the end-to-end manufacture of microbial-based products, ensuring consistent quality, regulatory compliance, and efficient scale-up from development to commercial production. Working at the intersection of science and operations, you will play a critical role in delivering robust fermentation processes, overseeing bioreactor operations, and managing the blending of multi-strain microbial formulations.
Key Responsibilities
Manufacturing & Operations
Lead and manage all manufacturing activities, including microbial fermentation, downstream processing, and formulation.
Oversee operation and optimisation of bioreactors across laboratory, pilot, and commercial scale.
Scale-up of R&D; into consistent commercial production
Develop, maintain, align production plans with demand and inventory
Quality Assurance & Compliance
Lead the Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring alignment with ISO, GMP (where applicable), and internal standards.
Ensure compliance with Australian regulatory requirements, including APVMA and relevant biosecurity and environmental regulations.
Oversee QC processes, batch release, contamination control, and product testing.
Manage internal/external audits and regulatory inspections
Process Improvement & Technical Leadership
Collaborate with R&D; to translate laboratory processes into scalable, robust manufacturing protocols.
Identify and implement improvements to increase yield,



reduce cost, and enhance product stability.
Introduce process monitoring and control systems to ensure consistency and traceability.
Leadership & Team Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team across manufacturing, QA, and QC.
Build a robust culture of quality, safety, and accountability.
Ensure appropriate training in fermentation, aseptic techniques, and quality systems.
Health, Safety & Environment
Ensure a safe working environment in line with WHS legislation.
Implement best practices in handling biological materials and fermentation processes.
Oversee waste management and environmental compliance.
About You
You are a technically strong and operationally experienced leader with a background in microbial fermentation and a proven ability to lead manufacturing and QA functions in a regulated environment.
Essential Experience
8+ years' experience in fermentation, bioprocessing, or microbial manufacturing.
Hands-on experience operating and scaling bioreactors.
Demonstrated experience in blending or formulating multi-strain microbial products.
Experience in quality assurance systems and regulatory compliance.
Leadership experience in a manufacturing/production environment.
Qualifications
Degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or related field (Masters or PhD highly regarded)
Key Skills
Deep understanding of microbial growth, fermentation processes, and contamination control
Strong knowledge of QMS, SOPs, and audit processes
Experience with process scale-up and industrial production
Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving capabilities
Why Join our client
Enjoy a strong remuneration package
Lead a critical function within a well-established and expanding biotech company and enjoy a cooperative culture with strong technical and operational support
Be based in the Riverina, one of Australia's key agricultural regions
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📌 Microbiologist Q&A & Manufacturing Head (Wagga Wagga)
🏢 Pacific Search Partners
📍 Wagga Wagga