Vendor Assurance Technologist

Date: 17 Jan 2025

Location: Melbourne, VIC, AU, 3194

Company: Simplot

In Australia, the J.R. Simplot Company’s core operations are food manufacturing and agriculture, encompassing potato, vegetable, seafood and sauce operations. We supply a wide range of frozen, shelf-stable and chilled products to Australia and New Zealand’s major retail and foodservice customers and are part of Simplot’s Global Food business. With 17 food manufacturing and processing sites, Simplot Global Food serves retail and foodservice customers in 37 countries, and employs 8,000 people across North America, Latin America and Asia Pacific.

 

In Australia, we are a leading provider of quality, nourishing and sustainable food, focussed on creating food that maximises value from the best Australian-grown produce and global seafood. Our iconic brands have been an integral part of Australian life for generations, and include Leggo’s, Birds Eye, Edgell, John West and Chiko.

Culture & Benefits

 

At Simplot, we are fuelled by our purpose: We Contribute to Feeding Our World. We imagine a better future and set goals to reach it. We are committed to working as one Simplot and are guided by our shared values: 

 

  • Respect for Resources
  • Spirit of Innovation
  • Passion for People

 

We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion. We care about creating an environment that promotes safety and wellbeing and where our people feel supported, respected and empowered. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination and are committed to providing equal opportunities for all our team members.

 

Simplot is passionate about cultivating a future where good ideas and inspiring possibilities have the chance to grow. We want our team members to build exciting and fulfilling careers with us and offer professional and personal growth opportunities.
 

The Perks

 

  • Flexible working arrangements and a variety of engaging Health and Wellbeing programs
  • Diverse Leadership Development Programs and Professional Development Support
  • Employee Reward and Recognition Program 
  • Bonus incentives and discounted Health Insurance 
  • Sensory Club Program – Enjoy and taste our new product launches and access to our Culinary cooking sessions
  • Novated Car Leasing Agreements
  • Income Protection Insurance 
  • Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave 

 

Simplot in Australia values the innovation and relationship building that comes from face-to-face connection but also recognises the need for flexibility in the lives of our team members. This is why we have a hybrid work environment, with 3 days in the office / Wednesday being a set ‘connect day' where we all come together to maintain our successful culture of innovation, connection and collaboration.
 

About our role

 

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Vendor Assurance Technologist to join our team on a contract basis, for a period of 24 months. This is a full-time role, 37.5 hours per week based in our office in Mentone with travel required to our Truganina warehouse. 

 

Reporting into our Manager Vendor Assurance/Outsource Quality APAC, the purpose of this role is to:

  • Assure and partner with our suppliers of ingredients, materials, finished goods and services to provide safe and consistent quality products for our consumer. 
  • Reduce food safety and quality risk through audit and QA compliance.
  • Ensure best practice approach to Vendor QA and create, maintain consistent and continuously improve audit approach and outcomes across suppliers
  • Coordinate requirements of the QA process in relation to outsourced products and suppliers. 
     

What you will do

 

  • Conduct risk assessments of new and existing suppliers using predefined criteria, ensuring outcomes are documented 
  • Contribute to projects and process improvements related to supplier onboarding, risk assessment, and pre-compliance.
  • Contribute to the annual supplier audit schedule and promptly escalate any non-conforming products or suppliers that pose a food safety or quality risk.
  • Oversee the management of the hold and release process for imported and outsourced products, ensuring compliance with Department of Agriculture directives and product quality standards.
  • Manage and renew import permits, support ongoing variations, and coordinate the administration of the Simplot Food Importers Compliance Agreement (FICA) program to maintain certification.
  • Facilitate resolution of customer complaints regarding externally manufactured products and ensure suppliers follow up on corrective actions for non-conformances. Support supplier review and development initiatives.
     

About you

 

  • Tertiary qualifications in applied science, food technology or related discipline 
  • Knowledge of Quality Systems across a number of product categories 
  • Knowledge of Food safety Systems
  • At least 3 years in food industry or similar work in manufacturing Sector 
  • Internal and External Audit experience 
  • Experience in FMCG essential
  • Understanding of Food Safety systems and legislation is essential
  • Excellent collaboration and relationship building skills
  • A clear and partnering style of communication both in written and verbal form. 
  • A technical knowledge of importing and biosecurity requirements 
  • A technical understanding of GFSI standards, certification frameworks, Food Standards Code and legislation
  • Action orientated with partnering mindset 
  • A growth mindset for seeking innovative and collaboration solutions to meet both consumer, SAPL and customer needs

 

If this sounds like you, then please apply online now. 

 

Applications close Friday 14th February. Suitable candidates will be contacted prior to closing date. 

 

#LI-AP1

#Li-Hybrid
 

Job Requisition ID: 21054 

Travel Required: Less than 10% 

Location(s): GF Chifley Business Park Office - Melbourne 

Country: Australia 

 

Simplot is an equal opportunity employer and encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply. If you feel you would be a great addition to our team please apply online today, we would love to hear from you. If you require technical assistance, please email us at careers.contact@simplot.com