Description:
Position Summary
Reporting to Operations Manager, the Process Engineering & Quality Lead plays a crucial role in supporting production operations, leading process investigations and continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring the implementation and maintenance of quality system documentation and processes. This role also provides support to daily operations and logistics.
The ideal candidate will have an engineering background with 2-5 years of experience in process engineering, quality assurance, or continuous improvement roles within a manufacturing environment.
This position is based at the company’s Penrith facility, working Monday to Friday, with flexibility in hours to support business needs as the company continues to expand. The role requires strict adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and food safety regulations to maintain a high standard of product quality and compliance.
Responsibilities
Manufacturing, Process Engineering & Continuous Improvement (40%)
- Serve as the primary technical point of contact for troubleshooting production issues.
- Operate manufacturing equipment, including extrusion, during peak production periods and staff absences.
- Train team members to ensure efficient and safe operation of manufacturing equipment.
- Identify, plan, and implement process improvements to optimize extrusion, drying, and milling operations.
- Develop and document manufacturing processes and settings for company products.
- Support new product introductions and process improvements, including updates to production management software,
- batch management systems, and supplier management.
- Identify and mitigate workplace safety hazards proactively.
Quality system documentation & processes (40%)
- Maintain and update quality systems, including compliance with GMP, SQF, HACCP, and Halal certification standards.
- Lead quality testing and compliance for extruded proteins and co-manufactured finished goods, including product release approvals.
- Conduct investigations for Non-Conformance Reports (NCR) and implement corrective actions.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards related to product quality.
Operations & logistics (20%):
- Assist the Operations Manager in production planning and forecasting to optimize production volumes using MRP software.
- Support logistics coordination, including obtaining quotes, overseeing order fulfillment, and optimizing inventory management.
- Assist in raw material and finished goods procurement to maintain adequate inventory levels.
- Collaborate with co-manufacturers to manage and model production schedules effectively.
- Support national commercial scale-up by providing data, insights, and distribution modeling for pricing and OTIF (On-Time In-Full) delivery.
Food Safety Program & Management System
- Maintain compliance with HACCP and SQF requirements, ensuring adherence to food safety regulations and good manufacturing practices.
- Follow and enforce the company’s Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
- Ensure proper product identification and traceability throughout the production process.
- Maintain cleanliness and sanitation standards across production areas.
- Ensure staff uphold high standards in hygiene and professionalism.
Key Skills and Experience
- 2-5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in roles involving quality assurance, continuous improvement, or operations.
- Experience with GMP compliance and food safety standards.
- Familiarity with cleaning and sanitation procedures in food production.
- Previous manufacturing experience in food, pharmaceuticals, or medical devices is preferred.
- Experience working in a team-oriented production environment is highly desirable.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Science or a related field.
- HACCP Plan Development and Implementation Certificate is ideal, but not essential.