Quality Assurance Manager

This position is responsible for managing the Quality Assurance systems for JBS Pork Australia – Laverton Processing Plant.

• Establish / monitor SOPs and recording systems to ensure Company, Regulatory Authority, customer and meat safety standards compliance. 
• Maintain records and report results to the Operations Manager – JBS Laverton.
• Manage and maintain currency of QA manuals / SOPs and work instructions.
• Understand and manage other QA systems, such as APIQ and FeedSafe.
• Review, assess and critically analyse monitoring data to ensure food safety. 
• Educate Managers and employees about the Company’s accreditation and food safety requirements.
• Ensure annual objectives are regularly reviewed and met.
• Contribute to key business activities as required.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the QA/AAO team to achieve operational excellence.
• Adhere to all Company policies, procedures, processes and work instructions at all times, and ensure appropriate actions are taken to implement and monitor at a site level.
• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of the Food Safety Management System including HACCP, GMP, and prerequisite programs.
• Investigate and manage product non-conformances and customer complaints, including root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements including DAFF, NMI, Export Controls, and state legislation.
• Lead and coordinate external audits, including: Regulatory Audits (DAFF,  Animal Welfare), GFSI Certification Audits (SQF) & Customer Audits. Maintain certifications and ensure timely closure of audit findings.
• Monitor food safety and quality performance across slaughter, boning & value-added processing, packaging, and storage.
• Ensure product integrity through cold chain monitoring, traceability, and process verification.
•  Oversee calibration and verification of monitoring equipment (e.g., temp probes, captive bolt guns).
•  Analyse quality data and KPIs to identify trends and drive improvement initiatives.
•  Lead risk assessments for new processes, ingredients, or equipment.
•  Support operational teams in yield improvement and defect reduction initiatives.
• Act as the primary contact for regulators, certification bodies, and customer auditors.
• Provide regular reporting to site leadership and Group QA on performance, risks, and improvement projects.
• Perform other duties as directed. 

• Perform duties in an ethical, lawful and safe manner.
• Adhere to WHS obligations and Company WHS policies and procedures.
• Ensure all incidents, hazards, risks, breaches and complaints are actioned in line with Company procedures.
• Ensure all personnel under your leadership (if applicable) are aware of their roles and responsibilities in accordance with the Company WHS Management System.

• Proven experience in quality assurance or food safety within the meat industry.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMP, export regulations, and GFSI certification schemes.
• Demonstrated leadership of QA teams and audit management.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.