Head of Quality and Technical

Play a key role in supporting the Australian economy.
- Discounted food, travel, entertainment, gym membership, staff parking and, + more.
- Hybrid role opportunity, plus regular site visits.

**Company**

For 81 years, we've achieved success through our ability to innovate, placing a clear emphasis on how we best serve our customers’ needs. As demand continues to grow, we have expanded rapidly, now delivering a superior range of dry goods, frozen and chilled products, fresh seafood and meat, confectionery, paper products, and cleaning solutions.

In recent years, we’ve seen significant growth and invested in our systems and processes, building a close partnership with Woolworths Group that has continued to deliver high-quality service for our customers and suppliers.

In 2024, Woolworths moved to a 100% interest in the PFD business, bringing PFD exciting opportunities as a strategic part of the Group. Sharing expertise across both teams will ensure our continued success and drive further growth and unlock our collective potential.

**About this Position**

As the Head of Quality and Technical, you’ll play a crucial role in shaping quality strategy, compliance, and continuous improvements. Reporting to the Head of Safety & Material Risk, you’ll lead a team of 4 direct reports and champion a system of quality, technical and food safety throughout the business.

Your expertise will ensure the company not only meets but exceeds food safety and quality standards while delivering on customer expectations.

**Key Responsibilities**
- **Leadership in Quality & Technical Strategy & Compliance** - Develop and maintain the company’s quality management strategy, framework, and systems.
- **Stakeholder Engagement** - Build strong relationships with internal teams, suppliers, and external regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.
- **Audit & Risk Management** - Maintain and execute an effective internal and external audit program, ensuring sites are well-prepared for compliance reviews, including HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) and SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit).
- **Product Quality & Technical Oversight** - Work closely with operations, and suppliers to meet and maintain product specifications and food safety standards.
- **Continuous Improvement** - Lead initiatives to embed a strong quality culture, drive operational efficiency, and enhance food safety processes.
- **Data & Performance Management**:

- Monitor, analyse and report on key quality, technical and food safety performance metrics to senior leadership, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement.
- **Corrective & Preventative Actions** - Manage an effective CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Actions) and NCR (Non-Conformance Report) program to mitigate risks and enhance quality outcomes.
- **Budget Management** - Oversee and manage the Quality and Technical department’s budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to align with strategic goals.
- **People Leadership**: Lead, mentor, and develop a high performing team, fostering a culture of growth, collaboration, and excellence.

**What We’re Looking For**

To thrive in this role, you will bring:

- Tertiary qualification in Engineering, Science, or a related technical discipline.
- Significant experience as a Senior Quality & Technical Manager, with a proven track record of leadership and technical expertise
- Strong project management skills - ability to oversee and deliver quality and compliance initiatives.
- Deep knowledge of industry bodies, food safety regulations, QA, and technical standards.
- Proven leadership experience - ability to coach, develop, and motivate a remote team.
- Commercial acumen - understanding of quality’s impact on business performance.
- High-impact communication skills - able to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Systems knowledge - Experience using platforms such as SharePoint, Elumina (hazard reporting, food safety investigations), and Food Safety Portals for submitting SMETA audits.
- Experience in red meat/seafood is highly desirable.

We are offering competitive remuneration, superannuation and other staff benefits (such as discounts on staff purchases, discounted accommodation, health insurance and banking).

**Culture & Values**

**Customer Focus**

Know your external and internal customers. Gain and preserve their confidence because we can only be successful if our customers are successful.

**Respect**

Treat people at work and in the community as they would like to be treated. Act safely, responsibly, and ethically.

**Passion**

Share the passion of making us a successful and dynamic company. Let’s celebrate successes.

**Simplicity**

Let’s minimise the complications of doing business so customer services are on time, accurate and reliable. Share ideas to improve our company.

**Leadership**

All of us can be leaders in our day to day working lives. Bring out the best in you