Process Quality Technologist

Kerry Group; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kerry is seeking an In-Process Quality Lead for its Murarrie, Queensland site to uphold food safety, quality standards and regulatory compliance. You will drive investigations, CAPA actions, and data-driven improvements across production and supplier interfaces.

This night-shift role requires strong leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration with Operations, R&D, and Suppliers to ensure product integrity and customer satisfaction in a global nutrition context.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in food safety and quality assurance within the food industry.
• Practical quality knowledge and experience including investigations, complaints handling, and root cause analysis.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage internal and external stakeholders, regulatory interactions, and cross-functional engagement.
• Experience in statistical analysis, process control, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• In-depth understanding of manufacturing processes and unit operations.
• Advanced Excel and SAP experience desired.
• Ability to commit to night shift working hours.

Responsibilities

• Participate in maintaining compliance with food safety management systems (HACCP, BRCGS, Halal, Kosher, and customer programs) through inspections, audits, validations, training, and monitoring.
• Perform GMP and GBP verification activities to ensure site standards and regulatory compliance.
• Conduct finished goods release activities with triple verification to meet safety and quality requirements.
• Manage non-conforming materials and product disposition in SAP and physical locations; handle rework and returns.
• Lead and participate in customer complaints and non-conformance investigations with CAPA.
• Review and verify production records for compliance with specifications and food safety requirements.
• Conduct environmental monitoring, hygiene swabbing, EMP swabbing, and air plate management.
• Utilise SPC and CpK analysis to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Maintain quality records and data entry in SAP, Intelex, KerryTrack, and other platforms.
• Coordinate raw material non-conformance with suppliers and QA teams.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Stakeholder management

Statistical analysis

Process control

Continuous improvement

Advanced Excel

SAP

Night shift

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry

Tools

SAP

Intelex

KerryTrack

Job description

Requisition ID: 67501
Position Type: FT Permanent
Workplace Arrangement: #LI-Onsite

About Kerry

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

About the role

Work Location: Murarrie, Queensland, Australia
Reporting Line: In-Process Quality Lead

Key responsibilities

• Participate in maintaining compliance with food safety management systems, including HACCP, BRCGS, Halal, Kosher, and customer-specific quality programs through inspections, internal audits, validations, training, and compliance with monitoring and sampling programs.
• Perform GMP and Good Business Practice (GBP) verification activities to ensure compliance with site standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations.
• Conduct finished goods release activities, including triple redundancy verification, ensuring all products meet food safety, quality, and customer requirements prior to release.
• Manage non-conforming materials and products, including stock blocking and unblocking in SAP and physical inventory locations, disposition decisions, rework management, and product returns.
• Lead and participate in customer complaint and non-conformance investigations, applying root cause analysis methodologies and implementing effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Review and verify production records to ensure compliance with product specifications, food safety requirements, and manufacturing standards.
• Conduct environmental monitoring activities, including hygiene swabbing, EMP swabbing, and air plate management, ensuring compliance with site monitoring programs and investigating adverse trends.
• Utilise Statistical Process Control (SPC), Process Capability (CpK) analysis, and quality data to identify opportunities for process optimisation and continuous improvement.
• Maintain accurate and timely quality records and data entry in business systems, including SAP, Intelex, KerryTrack, and other relevant platforms.
• Manage SAR activities from a Food Safety and Quality perspective, ensuring timely review, investigation, documentation, and closure.
• Coordinate raw material non-conformance management activities, working closely with suppliers, Supplier Quality teams, and internal stakeholders to ensure effective resolution.
• Support Operations, R&D, and other business functions to ensure products and processes meet food safety and quality requirements throughout the product lifecycle.
• Execute site quality improvement initiatives aligned with strategic objectives, leveraging data-driven insights, cross-functional collaboration, and change management principles to improve product integrity and operational performance.
• Champion a culture where food safety and quality are embedded in daily operations, leadership behaviours, and employee accountability.
• Ensure all company policies, procedures, reports, and assigned actions are completed accurately and within required timeframes.

Qualifications and skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in food safety and quality assurance within the food industry.

Practical quality knowledge and experience, particularly in conducting investigations, managing complaints, and performing root cause analysis.

• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage internal and external stakeholders, regulatory interactions, and cross-functional engagement.
• Experience in statistical analysis, process control, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• In-depth understanding of manufacturing processes and unit operations.
• Strong computer skills, with Advanced Excel and SAP experience desirable.
• Ability to commit to night shift working hours, as this is a night shift-based role.
• Opportunities for professional development and industry training.
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment focused on continuous improvement and food safety excellence.