Quality Assurance Manager

Workforce Extensions Ballarat is proud to be partnering with Ferndale Foods Australia in seeking a highly driven and motivated Quality Assurance Manager. Ferndale is a proudly Ballarat based manufacturer with over 30 years of experience delivering high volume, high quality products to major national and global customers.

With a strong reputation built on consistency, reliability and innovation, Ferndale operates in a fast moving, supportive environment where quality is not negotiable and is embedded in everything they do.

About the Role

Reporting to the Operations Manager, this is a key leadership position responsible for overseeing the entire quality assurance function across multiple sites.

You will lead a small team while working closely with production and operations to ensure quality without compromise, maintaining the highest food safety standards while continuing to evolve systems, processes and performance.

This role goes beyond compliance. You will play a critical part in supporting innovation, improving outcomes and strengthening Ferndale's position as a trusted manufacturing partner.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Systems and Compliance

• Maintain and manage GFSI certifications including SQF, HACCP, retailer and customer standards
• Lead all external audits including major global customers
• Ensure GMP, SOP and food safety compliance across all sites

Food Safety and Continuous Improvement

• Lead HACCP verification, validation and prerequisite programs
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and first time quality outcomes
• Oversee product testing, sanitation and hygiene standards

Leadership and Collaboration

• Manage and mentor a small QA team
• Work as one team with site leaders, production and operations
• Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers and auditors

Reporting and Performance

• Analyse quality data and site metrics to support informed decision making
• Deliver reporting aligned to business and compliance requirements

Traceability and Risk Management

• Oversee supplier approval programs and traceability systems
• Lead recall processes and internal audits
• Conduct quality investigations with strong root cause analysis and follow through

About You

• Tertiary qualification in Food Science, Engineering or similar
• 5+ years experience in a QA or Quality Systems leadership role within food manufacturing
• Strong working knowledge of HACCP, GMP and GFSI standards
• A confident communicator who can influence and build relationships across all levels
• Highly organised, able to manage competing priorities in a fast paced environment
• A mindset focused on continuous improvement, innovation and achieving the best outcome

Flexibility is important. There will be times where availability outside standard hours is required.

Why Join Ferndale Foods?

• Join a proudly Ballarat based business supporting local industry
• Be part of a fast moving, supportive team environment
• Work with a business known for quality, consistency and reliability
• Exposure to major national and global customers
• Opportunity to lead, influence and continuously improve systems at scale

If you are ready to take ownership of quality, lead from the front and contribute to a business committed to innovation and quality without compromise, we would like to hear from you.