Quality Assurance Manager - Ulverstone
Date: 30 Mar 2025
Location: Ulverstone, TAS, AU, 7315
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 major retail and foodservice customers in Australia and New Zealand. The Simplot Global Food business includes 17 food manufacturing and processing sites, serving retail and foodservice customers in 37 countries, with 8,000 people across North America, Latin America and Asia Pacific. Globally, the J.R. Simplot Company employs 15,000 people, driving innovation and excellence across diverse industries.
Within the Australian market, we are a leading provider of quality, nourishing and sustainable food, focussed on creating meals that maximises value from the best Australian-grown produce and global seafood. Our iconic brands have been an integral part of Aussie life for generations, and include Leggo's, Birds Eye, Edgell, John West and Chiko.
Culture and Benefits
At Simplot, we are fueled 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
- Diverse leadership development programs and professional development support
- Relocation assistance available for interstate candidates
- International development opportunities
- Fully supplied & laundered uniform + PPE
- Bonus / incentive scheme
- Employee recognition program
- Discounted health insurance options
- Novated car leasing agreements
- Income Protection Insurance
- Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave
- On-site cafeteria
About Our Role
- Manage Quality related activities by providing technical expertise, leadership & support to production areas within a market leading food manufacturing facility (frozen potato products)
- Site based leadership opportunity - lead 4 x direct reports
- Based in the picturesque town of Ulverstone, NW Tasmania
A unique opportunity exists with Simplot Global Food in the position of Quality Assurance (QA) Manager at our Ulverstone manufacturing facility. Simplot Ulverstone has a proud history in the local community dating back to 1942, and our location on the banks of the Leven River is ideally situated close to the rich, fertile soils where our potatoes are grown. We process around 300,000 tonnes of potatoes from 165 Tasmanian growers each year, while employing over 450 people.
Site capabilities / products include fries (coated & uncoated + different cuts), sweet potato fries, potato gems, and hash browns in addition to 8 x automated packing lines. Our customers include the leading restaurant chains, major and independent supermarkets in addition to the food service industry.
What You Will Do
Reporting to the Plant Manager, the QA Manager will assume responsibility for the implementation, maintenance and daily management of the factory’s quality systems, ensuring that all processes, operations and products meet all specified requirements, both regulatory and relative to the the Food Safety and Quality Management System (FSQMS). Duties will include, but are not limited to;
- Provide direction & leadership to a team of 4 x quality personnel - ensuring that all tasks are completed to meet regulatory standard and Simplot requirements
- Evaluate food safety risks + quality liabilities, managing potential impact to minimise exposure and losses
- Oversee third party audits, participate in the supplier audit process, and conduct required internal audits
- Build and manage internal and external partnerships to support the delivery of the site, divisional, functional and SAPL Strategy
- Direct resources that provide responses to internal customers on quality and technical processes, issues and provide information to relevant stakeholders.
- Design, review, audit and support the implementation of quality and food safety systems, procedures and standards to meet Simplot and customer and standard holder requirements
- Manage the corrective action system to rectify quality related faults and prevent them from re-occurring
- Oversee the management of the held stock system, including the maintenance of accurate records. Make decisions on the disposition of held stock, ensuring food safety and quality is maintained
- Review and report on customer complaints and provide advice and recommendations to production on reducing complaints
- Ensure quality of raw materials by conducting checks and updating and approving specifications
- Ensure the optimal functioning of the food safety system incl; HACCP studies & reviews, ensuring validation of their outcome in addition to validated pathogen and allergen monitoring
- Support new product development / implementation in addition to management of quality and technical projects as directed by the Plant Manager, and the Director Quality Assurance - APAC
About You
Ideally you will hold qualifications in either of Science / Food Technology, Microbiology, Chemistry (or equivalent), bringing a demonstrated background in Quality Assurance and people leadership across large-scale manufacturing operations whilst possessing the following attributes;
- 5 + years experience in a senior Quality Assurance role within the FMCG or pharmaceuticals industries (food manufacturing will be highly regarded)
- Strong leadership / team management experience
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience of HACCP methodologies & ISO standards
- A 100% commitment to health, safety and wellbeing in the workplace
- Experience with global business activities (advantageous)
- Sound communication skillset (both written & verbal) with the ability to interact with senior business stakeholders in addition to Production staff
- A process driven, yet innovative mindset with a focus on Continuous Improvement (CI)
- Intermediate to advanced user of the MS Office suite of productions + Windows OS
- Ability to produce detailed, metric driven reporting
Please click on the "Apply" button to submit your application, ensuring a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role AND an up-to-date resume are included (noting that you will be redirected to the Simplot Careers portal).
**Relocation assistance can be negotiated for those candidates currently residing outside of Tasmania**
APPLICATIONS CLOSE MIDNIGHT, SUNDAY 27th APRIL 2025 - Simplot reserve the right to commence shortlisting prior to advert closing date.
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Job Requisition ID: 21902
Travel Required: Less than 10%
Location(s): GF Plant - Ulverstone
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