Supplier Quality Manager

At The a2 Milk Company, we’re passionate about dairy that makes a difference. Backed by science and driven by innovation, we’re transforming the future of nutrition through our unique approach to quality and sustainability. We have a brand-new opportunity to lead supplier quality through building strong relationships to drive excellence across our Australian Liquid Milk network, 3PL & 3PM relationships. If you want to create a career with a difference, now is the perfect time to choose The a2 Milk Company.

Position Description

Our Story:

The a2 Milk Company, driven by science and a pioneering spirit, disrupted the dairy and infant milk formula industry. Our vision is to create an A1-free world where dairy nourishes all people and our planet.

The a2 Milk Company seeks to achieve this through the naturally occurring a2 Milk difference and by bringing a more sustainable approach to dairy.

Your Role

At The a2 Milk Company, we’re passionate about dairy that makes a difference. Backed by science and driven by innovation, we’re transforming the future of nutrition through our unique approach to quality and sustainability.

Due to ongoing growth, we’re seeking a Vendor Assurance Manager to lead quality and assurance across our Australian Liquid Milk network. Based in Melbourne, this pivotal role focuses on vendor performance and reliability, ensuring our supplier partnerships consistently meet the highest standards of food safety and quality.

You will play a critical role in strengthening our supply base following recent industry challenges, leading vendor reviews, audits, and improvement programs across high-risk suppliers. The role requires regular site visits across VIC, NSW, and QLD, engaging with consultants and subject matter experts when specialist knowledge is required.

Key Responsibilities

- Monitor TPMs for adherence to GMP, HACCP, FSSC/ISO 22000, and company standards.
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve the Vendor Assurance Management System for all raw material and packaging suppliers.
- Lead supplier risk assessments, audits, and approval processes in line with regulatory and company standards (CFDA, MPI, Codex, EU, FDA).
- Manage supplier performance monitoring through scorecards, KPIs, and structured business reviews.
- Chair supplier quality review meetings and drive accountability for corrective actions.
- Partner with cross-functional teams (NPD, Operations, Packaging, Regulatory, Marketing) to support trials, launches, and incident management.
- Lead the escalation process for quality issues and provide assurance through performance reviews, reporting, and risk management.

About You

This is a role for a a proven Quality Lead from the dairy industry who brings a track record of driving assurance across complex supply chains. Mandatory experience includes:

- Quality leadership in dairy manufacturing (milk, yoghurt, UHT, powder, or packaging)
- Demonstrated expertise in HACCP, GMP, TPM audits, FSSC/ISO 22000
- Hands-on experience leading Lead TPM audits, performance reviews, and escalation management for quality issues
- Strong knowledge of microbiology, packaging quality, and risk management in dairy
- Exceptional stakeholder management, able to influence both suppliers and internal leaders
- Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology or equivalent
- Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks (CFDA, MPI, Codex, EU, FDA)
- Flexibility to travel extensively across Australia

At a2MC, you’ll be part of a global challenger brand with a focus on quality. We’re a Family Inclusive Workplace, committed to flexibility, wellbeing, and enabling our people to thrive personally and professionally. You’ll join a passionate team who are redefining what quality in dairy looks like and be empowered to make a meaningful impact.

Why join The a2 Milk Company?

The a2 Milk Company Australia is a certified Family Inclusive Workplace, dedicated to enhancing our team members' work-life wellbeing through leading policies and practices on flexible work, parental leave, family care, and family wellbeing. This role can be worked flexibly, allowing us to support our team members in balancing their personal and professional lives. Our family-friendly culture aims to foster workforce participation, career development, and mental health and wellbeing.

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