Quality Lead - Greenfield Food Manufacturing

About the role

An emerging food manufacturer is setting up a greenfield operation in Pakenham, with production planned to start in mid-2027. The Quality Lead reports directly to the Managing Director and builds the site's quality and food safety framework from the ground up, covering food safety standards, compliance and regulatory matters. It is a standalone, hands-on role suited to quality professionals who enjoy building something from nothing.

Key responsibilities

• Design, develop and implement quality management and food safety systems from scratch
• Develop HACCP plans, prerequisite programs, policies, procedures and supporting documentation
• Lead the business toward certification against relevant GFSI standards (e.g. SQF) and customer requirements
• Ensure compliance with the FSANZ Food Standards Code
• Act as the main contact with regulators, certification bodies and customer auditors
• Set up supplier approval, raw material specifications, traceability and recall programs
• Work with NPD and the external R&D partner to embed food safety and compliance into new products
• Build a food safety and quality culture, including training programs as the team grows
• Set up verification, validation, internal audit and continuous improvement processes

Required profile

• Degree in Food Safety, Food Science, Quality Assurance or a related discipline
• Proven experience developing and implementing quality systems in a dynamic food manufacturing environment
• Experience leading or preparing sites for third-party and customer audits
• Previous experience in a startup, greenfield or rapidly scaling business highly regarded
• Ability to work autonomously as a standalone function while influencing senior stakeholders
• Strong organisational skills and a proactive, adaptable mindset

Required skills

• HACCP
• GMP
• FSANZ Food Standards Code

To discuss the role further, candidates should contact the recruiter, Aspect Personnel.