Graduate - Quality & Operations

Costa Group; South Australia; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Graduate Development Program

Mentoring from leaders

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Costa Group in Murtho, South Australia, invites graduates to join the Citrus team as a Graduate - Quality & Operations. You’ll build practical experience across quality assurance, food safety and post-harvest activities while developing operational capability with Costa’s citrus operations.

You'll gain exposure to data analysis, process monitoring and cross-functional collaboration, supporting continuous improvement and ensuring premium products reach customers safely and efficiently.

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant field with strong interest in quality and operations.
• Strong communication and attention to detail.
• Willingness to work in a fast-paced production environment.
• Full Australian working rights and a current unrestricted driver’s licence.

Responsibilities

• Gain experience across quality assurance, food safety and post-harvest operations.
• Assist with operational planning, data collection and performance reporting.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within citrus operations.
• Collaborate with Quality, Operations and Citrus teams to meet standards.

Skills

Food safety

Quality assurance

Post-harvest operations

Data analysis

Operations planning

Cross-functional collaboration

Continuous improvement

Education

Food Science

Food Technology

Agricultural Science

Horticulture

Applied Science

Microbiology

Quality Assurance

Related discipline

Job description

At Costa, we'refocused on helping feed a growing population through innovation, sustainabilityand world-class fresh produce. As Australia's leading grower, packer andmarketer of fresh fruit and vegetables, we work with customers across Australiaand around the world to deliver fresh, healthy food every day.

Costa's Citrus business is committed to delivering premium fruitthat meets the highest standards for quality, food safety and customersatisfaction. From orchard to packing shed, quality plays a critical role inensuring our products consistently meet customer expectations.

We are seeking a motivated graduate to join our Citrus team in Murtho, South Australia.

This is a permanent full-time graduate opportunity where you'llcombine structured development with practical experience across qualityassurance, food safety, post-harvest operations and continuous improvementactivities.

Working alongside experienced quality and operational leaders,you'll gain exposure to the systems, processes and decisions that help ensureCosta's citrus products are packed, protected and delivered to customers attheir very best.

This is an exciting opportunity to launch your career in anenvironment where quality, food safety and operational excellence are essentialto success while developing the skills, experience and credibility needed tobuild a long-term career within Costa.

Aboutthis position:

As a Graduate - Quality & Operations, you'll build experience acrossquality assurance, food safety and operational activities while developing apractical understanding of how premium citrus products move from packing shedto customer.

One day youmay be conducting quality inspections and monitoring food safety standards,while another may involve supporting operational teams, analysing performancedata or contributing to continuous improvement initiatives. This varietyprovides valuable exposure to multiple aspects of Costa's citrus operationswhile building practical technical and operational capability.

You will gain exposure to:

• Food safety and quality assurance systems
• Post-harvest processes and packing shed operations
• Product quality monitoring and compliance activities
• Data analysis, reporting and performance monitoring
• Production workflows and operational planning
• Cross-functional collaboration across Quality, Operations andCitrus teams
• Practical decision-making within a large-scale horticulturalbusiness

WhyJoin Us?

We care for our people. People arethe heart of Costa. Our employees enjoy some of the best benefits andconditions in the industry. From competitive pay to health, well-being andfurther learning and development opportunities. No matter the role, you'llalways benefit from a caring environment that encourages and supports you tothrive, grow and connect.

As a graduate with Costa, you'll automatically be enrolled in ourGraduate Development Program, designed to develop future leaders and innovatorsacross our business. You'll gain exposure to senior leaders, technical expertsand fellow graduates while building practical skills in a real-worldoperational environment.

You'll also benefit from:

• Structured graduate development and leadership training
• Exposure to quality assurance, food safety and operationalexcellence
• Mentoring from experienced quality and operational leaders
• Hands-on experience within one of Australia's leading citrusoperations
• Meaningful involvement in continuous improvement initiatives
• Practical exposure to the fresh produce supply chain
• Meaningful work that contributes to delivering safe, high-qualityfood
• A pathway to build a long-term career within Costa.

Aboutyou:

We're looking for graduates who are curious, detail-oriented andmotivated to learn how quality, food safety and operational excellence supportsuccessful food production. You may have recently completed (or be in yourfinal year of) a degree in:

• Food Science
• Food Technology
• Agricultural Science
• Horticulture
• Applied Science
• Microbiology
• Quality Assurance
• Or a related discipline

You will also:

• Demonstrate strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Have excellent attention to detail and a commitment to maintainingstandards
• Show initiative and a continuous improvement mindset
• Be comfortable working in a fast-paced operational environment
• Be eager to learn and develop within a quality and operationssetting
• Work collaboratively across teams and functions
• Be interested in food safety, quality assurance and operationalperformance
• Have full Australian working rights
• Hold a current unrestricted Australian driver's licence
• Be willing and able to perform the inherent requirements of therole, including participation in operational activities within packingshed environments.

We are seeking people who can demonstrate Costa's core values: Determination,Accountability, Passion, Respect and Sincerity.

ProgramTiming and Process:

Applicationsfor the 2027 Graduate Intake close on September 16, 2026,with an anticipated start date of February 8, 2027.The selection process will consist of application questions, video submissions,psychometric assessments and interviews (virtual or in person).

Accessibilityand Inclusion:

At Costa, we value diversity and arecommitted to providing an inclusive recruitment experience. If you require anyadjustments or support throughout the application, assessment or interviewprocess, please let us know. We're happy to work with you to ensure you haveevery opportunity to demonstrate your skills, experience and potential.