Quality Assurance Manager

COWRA MEAT PROCESSORS; Cowra; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

COWRA MEAT PROCESSORS in Cowra, NSW, is seeking a Quality Assurance Manager to oversee daily QA activities, ensure food safety compliance, and drive continuous improvement on-site. This full-time role requires strong knowledge of HACCP and regulatory standards, with hands-on leadership in audits and training.

The successful candidate will develop QA policies, manage certification processes, and coordinate with operations to sustain product integrity.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of food safety, HACCP, and quality management systems.
• Experience managing audits and certification processes.
• Skills in data analysis, documentation, and report writing to monitor trends and support decision-making.
• Proven ability to lead teams, provide training, and collaborate effectively with production and management staff.
• Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Tertiary qualification in food science or related discipline.
• Previous experience in meat processing or food manufacturing quality assurance is highly advantageous.
• Commitment to workplace health and safety and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily quality control activities across the plant.
• Monitor production processes to ensure compliance with standards.
• Develop, implement, and update quality assurance policies and procedures.
• Coordinate internal and external audits and certifications.
• Lead root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Train and guide staff on quality and food safety practices.
• Maintain accurate QA documentation and records.

Skills

Food safety

HACCP

Quality management

Data analysis

Audit leadership

Training staff

Regulatory compliance

Education

Tertiary qualification in food science or quality management

Job description

Company Description COWRA MEAT PROCESSORS is a meat processing company based in Cowra, New South Wales, Australia, serving regional and broader markets. The organization focuses on safe, efficient, and high-quality processing operations that meet regulatory and customer requirements. Team members work in a fast-paced environment where product integrity, food safety, and workplace safety are priorities. The company values reliability, continuous improvement, and strong collaboration across operations and quality functions.

Role Description The Quality Assurance Manager is a full-time, on-site role located in Cowra, NSW. This position is responsible for overseeing daily quality control activities across the plant, including monitoring production processes, conducting inspections, and verifying compliance with food safety and regulatory standards. The role includes developing, implementing, and updating quality assurance policies and procedures, managing HACCP and other certification requirements, and coordinating internal and external audits. The Quality Assurance Manager investigates non-conformances, leads root-cause analysis, and implements corrective and preventive actions. This role also involves training and guiding staff on quality and food safety practices, maintaining accurate documentation and records, and working closely with operations, maintenance, and management to drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of food safety, HACCP, and quality management systems within meat processing or food manufacturing.
• Experience managing audits, regulatory compliance, and certification processes (e.g., local food safety authorities, third-party schemes).
• Skills in data analysis, documentation, and report writing to monitor trends and support decision-making.
• Proven ability to lead teams, provide training, and collaborate effectively with production and management staff.
• Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in food science, agriculture, quality management, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Previous experience in meat processing or food manufacturing quality assurance is highly advantageous.
• Commitment to workplace health and safety and continuous improvement initiatives.