Vendor Assurance Technologist

J.R. Simplot Company; City of Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Health & Wellbeing programs

Leadership development programs

Employee reward and recognition

Discounted health insurance

Gym memberships

Novated car leasing

Income protection

Extra annual leave

Job summary

Simplot is seeking a Vendor Assurance Technologist in Mentone, VIC, to safeguard brands by onboarding and auditing suppliers, overseeing food safety and quality compliance, and managing import governance. Reporting to the Vendor Assurance Manager, you will collaborate with domestic and international suppliers to minimise risks and ensure adherence to regulatory expectations.

You will lead risk-based supplier activities, audits, and corrective actions while supporting New Product Introduction and

Qualifications

• Experience in Food Safety & Quality in a food manufacturing, FMCG or related environment.
• Experience conducting supplier, quality or food safety audits.
• Strong understanding of HACCP, food safety requirements and quality systems.
• Able to assess risk and implement mitigation strategies.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a risk-based supplier assurance program and ensure compliance with Simplot and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct supplier approval, risk assessment and ongoing supplier review activities.
• Partner with Procurement and Logistics to onboard, assess and manage suppliers.
• Plan and conduct supplier audits locally and internationally.
• Support food import compliance activities including FICA and Biosecurity Permit processes.
• Manage supplier corrective actions and drive continuous improvement.
• Support New Product Introduction through supplier/site assessments.
• Manage quality and consumer complaint investigations related to externally manufactured products.

Skills

Supplier audits

Food safety audits

HACCP knowledge

Risk assessment

Stakeholder management

Written/verbal communication

Ambiguity tolerance

GFSI standards knowledge

Lead Auditor qualification

Biosecurity / FICA experience

Thermal processing knowledge

Job description

In Australia, the Simplot Company's core operations are food manufacturing and agriculture, encompassing potato, vegetable, seafood and sauce operations. We supply a wide range of frozen, shelf-stable and chilled products to major retail and foodservice customers in Australia and New Zealand. The Simplot Global Food business includes 17 food manufacturing and processing sites, serving retail and foodservice customers in 37 countries, with 8,000 people across North America, Latin America and Asia Pacific. Globally, the J.R. Simplot Company employs 15,000 people, driving innovation and excellence across diverse industries.

Within the Australian market, we are a leading provider of quality, nourishing and sustainable food, focussed on creating meals that maximises value from the best Australian‑grown produce and global seafood. Our iconic brands have been an integral part of Aussie life for generations, and include Leggo's, Birds Eye, Edgell, John West and Chiko.

Culture and Benefits

At Simplot, we are fuelled by our purpose: We Contribute to Feeding Our World. We imagine a better future and set goals to reach it. We are committed to working as one Simplot and are guided by our shared values:

• Respect for Resources
• Spirit of Innovation
• Passion for People

We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion. We care about creating an environment that promotes safety and wellbeing and where our people feel supported, respected and empowered. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination and are committed to providing equal opportunities for all our team members.

Simplot is passionate about cultivating a future where good ideas and inspiring possibilities have the chance to grow. We want our team members to build exciting and fulfilling careers with us and offer professional and personal growth opportunities.

The Perks

• Flexible working arrangements and a variety of engaging Health and Wellbeing programs
• Diverse Leadership Development Programs and Professional Development Support
• Employee Reward and Recognition Program
• Bonus incentives
• Discounted Health Insurance and Gym Memberships
• Sensory Club Program – Enjoy and taste our new product launches and access to our Culinary cooking sessions
• Novated Car Leasing Agreements
• Income Protection Insurance
• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave

Simplot Australia values the innovation and relationship building that comes from face‑to‑face connection but also recognises the need for flexibility in the lives of our team members. This is why we have a hybrid work environment, with one dedicated day per week where we all come together to maintain our successful culture of innovation, connection and collaboration.

About Our Role

Permanent Full‑Time | Mentone, VIC (Chifley Business Park) | Hybrid Working

Join Simplot's Food Safety & Quality team as a Vendor Assurance Technologist, where you'll play a critical role in protecting our brands through supplier assurance, food safety, quality compliance, import governance and risk management.

Reporting to the Vendor Assurance Manager, you will be responsible for the approval, onboarding, monitoring and ongoing management of suppliers across Ingredients, Packaging, Finished Goods and Service Providers (including Warehousing and Transport partners). You will work closely with both domestic and international suppliers to ensure compliance with Simplot requirements, regulatory obligations and industry best practices, helping to minimise food safety, quality and supply chain risks.

This is a unique opportunity to combine supplier onboarding, auditing, food import compliance, risk assessment, biosecurity requirements and stakeholder engagement within a highly collaborative and globally connected environment. You'll have the opportunity to work with suppliers across Australia and internationally, supporting the delivery of safe, compliant and high‑quality products to our customers and consumers.

What You'll Do

You'll maintain a risk‑based supplier assurance program and work closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure compliance with Simplot and regulatory requirements.

In this role, you will:

• Conduct supplier approval, risk assessment and ongoing supplier review activities
• Partner with Procurement and Logistics teams to onboard, assess and manage suppliers
• Plan and conduct supplier audits locally and internationally
• Support food import compliance activities, including the FICA program and Biosecurity Import Permit processes
• Manage supplier corrective actions and drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) projects through supplier and manufacturing site assessments
• Manage quality and consumer complaint investigations relating to externally manufactured products
• Build strong relationships with suppliers, service providers and internal stakeholders to influence positive quality and food safety outcomes

About You

• Experience within Food Safety & Quality in a food manufacturing, FMCG or related environment
• Experience conducting supplier, quality or food safety audits
• Strong understanding of HACCP, food safety requirements and quality systems
• Able to assess risk, recommend practical mitigation strategies and make balanced decisions
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to build relationships, engage the right stakeholders and influence outcomes
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills
• Comfortable working through ambiguity and applying a practical, risk‑based approach to problem solving
• Collaborative, team‑oriented with a growth mindset and continuous improvement focus
• Technical understanding of the Food Standards Code, food legislation, GFSI standards and certification frameworks
• Lead Auditor qualification highly regarded
• Biosecurity, food import compliance or FICA experience highly regarded
• Experience with thermal processing highly regarded

Applications close Friday 30th October 2026. Simplot reserves the right to commence recruiting activity prior to closing date.

Job Requisition ID: 26691

Travel Required: Up to 25%

Location(s): GF Chifley Business Park Office - Mentone

Country: Australia

Simplot is an equal opportunity employer and encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.