Quality Assurance Coordinator

Evolve Scientific; Lismore; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

NES Fircroft is seeking a Quality Assurance Coordinator for a leading dairy production site in NSW on a full-time, 3-month contract with potential extension. You will oversee QA systems, support labs, and drive continuous improvement to meet customer, regulatory and industry standards.

As central quality contact, you will lead audits, manage Hold & Release, and mentor laboratory staff, ensuring environmental hygiene and food safety across manufacturing operations.

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry or related field.
• Experience in QA within food manufacturing.
• HACCP, GMP and food safety regs experience.
• SQF Practitioner or equivalent is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and improve the site's Quality Management System (QMS).
• Lead HACCP reviews and ensure ongoing compliance with HACCP plans.
• Coordinate and participate in external certification, customer, and regulatory audits.
• Lead internal quality and GMP auditing programs.
• Manage the site's Hold & Release program.
• Oversee environmental monitoring and provide guidance on cleaning and hygiene programs.
• Investigate quality incidents, non-conformances, and customer complaints, implementing effective corrective actions.
• Support and mentor laboratory personnel, including training and performance management.
• Partner with production and site leadership teams to ensure food safety and quality remain key operational priorities.
• Identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives across quality systems and processes.

Skills

Quality Assurance

GFSI standards

HACCP

Auditing

Communication

Education

Degree in Food Science / Microbiology / Chemistry

Job description

Are you an experienced Quality Assurance professional looking for an opportunity to make an immediate impact within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment? We are seeking a Quality Assurance Coordinator to join a leading dairy production facility on a full-time, 3-month contract, with possibility of extension. Working closely with site leadership, you'll play a key role in maintaining food safety, driving quality initiatives, leading audits, and ensuring products consistently meet customer, regulatory, and industry standards.

About the Role

As the central quality contact for the site, you will be responsible for overseeing quality systems, supporting laboratory operations, and championing continuous improvement across manufacturing processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and improve the site's Quality Management System (QMS)
• Lead HACCP reviews and ensure ongoing compliance with HACCP plans
• Coordinate and participate in external certification, customer, and regulatory audits
• Lead internal quality and GMP auditing programs
• Manage the site's Hold & Release program
• Oversee environmental monitoring and provide guidance on cleaning and hygiene programs
• Investigate quality incidents, non-conformances, and customer complaints, implementing effective corrective actions
• Support and mentor laboratory personnel, including training and performance management
• Partner with production and site leadership teams to ensure food safety and quality remain key operational priorities
• Identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives across quality systems and processes

About You

To be successful in this role, you will possess:

• A degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline
• Previous experience in a Quality Assurance role within food manufacturing
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMP, and food safety regulations
• Experience working within a GFSI-certified environment (SQF, BRCGS, or equivalent highly regarded)
• HACCP certification and experience acting as an SQF Practitioner or similar quality lead role
• Strong understanding of food microbiology, factory hygiene, and laboratory operations
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving skills
• A proactive approach with strong attention to detail

If you're a hands-on Quality professional who enjoys working closely with operations and driving food safety excellence, we'd love to hear from you.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining andManufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.