Job Description

Key Responsibilities:
Department Management:

• Oversee all quality-related functions within the quality department.
• Manage, mentor, and develop quality department staff.
• Complete performance assessments for lab staff and ensure continuous professional development.

Compliance and Regulatory Oversight:

• Establish and maintain Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems.
• Ensure compliance with external food safety audits (e.g., QPRO & FSA Intertek, FSSC 22000).
• Stay updated on changes to food safety regulations, quality standards, and best practices to ensure continuous compliance.
• Ensure proper implementation of labelling regulations (R146) and maintain FSSC 22000 certification.

Audits, Inspections, and Quality Assurance:

• Conduct internal audits on quality systems, hygiene, and housekeeping.
• Perform supplier quality audits to ensure raw materials meet required standards.
• Conduct regular product testing, including shelf-life, stability, and sensory evaluations.
• Approve all packaging requirements and ensure that products comply with quality standards.

Training and Development:

• Conduct training needs analysis and ensure training is provided for both internal staff and external customers.
• Establish and maintain workplace skills plans.
• Mentor external students through graduate, in-service, and internship programs.

Risk Management and Continuous Improvement:

• Identify potential risks related to product quality, safety, and compliance and develop mitigation strategies.
• Lead initiatives to improve efficiency, product quality, and processes within the quality department.
• Regularly analyse quality performance data and trends, adjusting processes as needed to ensure quality targets are met.

Customer and Supplier Relations:

• Manage customer complaints for both in-house and house brands, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Maintain strong relationships with customers to understand and meet their quality expectations.
• Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers to ensure the timely and high-quality supply of raw materials.

Research and Development:

• Coordinate the Fresh Line process for new product launches and de-ranging items.
• Work with retail quality requirements and specifications to ensure product consistency.

Reporting and Management:

• Provide regular reports on quality performance, audit results, non-conformances, corrective actions, and other relevant metrics to senior management.

Environmental and Sustainability Compliance:

• Ensure quality practices align with environmental and sustainability standards.
• Support the company's corporate responsibility goals by adhering to environmental regulations and promoting sustainability initiatives.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A degree or Diploma in Food Science, Quality Management
• Relevant certifications such as FSSC 22000, HACCP, ISO 9001, or similar.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in quality assurance, with at least 2 years in a managerial or leadership role.
• Strong understanding of food safety standards, quality systems, and regulatory requirements.
• Proven track record in managing teams, conducting audits, and maintaining certification standards