QA Manager

About the company Pepper Leaf is an Australian-owned meal kit delivery service that emphasizes fresh, locally sourced, and sustainable ingredients. As a small, family-run business, they prioritize personalized customer service and high-quality produce. The company offers a variety of meal kits tailored to different dietary preferences and household sizes. Customers can select from seasonal recipes, and the kits include pre-portioned ingredients to minimize food waste. For those with limited time, Pepper Leaf provides pre-prepared meals like Indian and Thai curries, pasta sauces, and lasagna, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and free from synthetic additives or preservatives. About the role We are currently seeking an experienced hands-on QA Manager, on a full-time basis, to lead the quality team and to work closely with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure the highest standards of food quality and safety of the company’s products. The Quality Assurance Manager at Pepper Leaf will focus on leading and embedding food safety culture throughout the business, whilst ensuring the quality management system is maintained to deliver safe, quality food products that meet legislative and customer requirements. Position: Quality Assurance Manager Location of work: 560 Somerville Road, Sunshine VIC 3020 Employment time: Permanent, Full time Salary Range: $70,000 to $80,000 plus guaranteed superannuation Main Responsibilities: Recipe Selection and Ingredient Management Select recipes that incorporate seasonal, local ingredients to ensure maximum freshness and sustainability. Maintain relationships with suppliers to source high-quality local ingredients that meet Pepper Leaf’s quality standards. Make recipe adjustments based on ingredient availability, seasonality, and quality. Quality Audits and System Reviews Plan, coordinate, and participate in regular quality audits and system reviews to identify areas for improvement. Guide the deployment of quality systems, ensuring alignment with industry certifications and standards. Assist staff in identifying and implementing enhancements in processes, workflows, and quality systems. Quality Systems and Regulatory Compliance Assist in developing strategies and objectives aimed at maximizing customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Ensure compliance with relevant standards and regulatory codes (e.g., HACCP) tailored to Pepper Leaf’s production and packaging needs. Document quality procedures and processes, ensuring easy access for team members and regulatory inspections. Supplier and Customer Liaison Work closely with suppliers to verify that goods meet Pepper Leaf’s specifications for quality, safety, and sustainability. Monitor customer feedback on quality and timeliness, using insights to make continuous improvements. Maintain vendor relationships to ensure consistent adherence to high-quality ingredient standards. Statistical Methodologies and Quality Control Tools Implement statistical methods and quality control tools to monitor and maintain ingredient and product quality. Regularly analyse quality data and recommend adjustments to processes to enhance overall product quality and reduce waste. Provide data-driven input into management reports on system effectiveness and quality metrics. Process Documentation and Training Oversee the documentation of all production and quality assurance processes, ensuring clarity and compliance. Advise on quality programs and deliver training as needed, reinforcing Pepper Leaf’s quality standards and objectives with all team members. Encourage ongoing education for staff on quality standards and best practices in food safety. Continuous Improvement and Sustainability Assist in implementing waste reduction initiatives, focusing on efficient use of ingredients and packaging. Work with procurement and production teams to align sourcing with sustainability goals and reduce environmental impact. Other Duties Support Pepper Leaf’s broader objectives by suggesting improvements and streamlining production processes. Collaborate with departments such as logistics, production, and customer service to ensure alignment on quality objectives and standards. Qualifications, Skills and Experience: Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or 5 years of relevant experience in a food production environment may substitute for formal education. Experience: At least 2 years in quality assurance within food production or meal kits. Proven experience in quality control, regulatory compliance, and inventory management. Strong understanding of ingredient quality, food safety standards, supplier coordination, and seasonal ingredient sourcing. Abilities/Attributes: Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills. Strong analytical skills with a focus on continuous improvement. Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and suppliers. Commitment to sustainable practices, waste reduction, and supporting local sourcing