Technical Manager

Established in 1963, Schreurs & Sons is a family owned and operated market garden, specialising in the production of celery, leek and baby leaf. Our produce is supplied throughout Australia, the Middle East and S.E. Asia. About the Role The primary purpose for the Technical Manager is to manage the day-to-day running of the Food Safety & Quality Management Systems. Ensuring the company has the necessary systems and processes in place to certify all products sent out meet legislative and customer requirements, including FSANZ, GlobalG.A.P, HARPS, SQF and as an Export Registered Establishment. The Technical Manager will provide the company technical support where required and alert the Directors to any significant risk affecting food safety or quality. The Technical Manager will drive the food safety and quality culture, leading by example and be the primary SQF Practitioner. Duties and Responsibilities Ensure the requirements of the food safety and quality management systems and customer requirements are documented, implemented and maintained. Update the company of any changes to relevant legislation, food safety and quality standards and developments within the industry and update the Quality Management System (QMS) accordingly. Conduct and oversee regular internal audits to ensure compliance to the QMS. Prepare the company for and undertake external third party food safety and quality audits as well as customer audits. Conduct supplier audits where necessary. Establish and implement training programs to cover off functions that affect product legality, food safety and quality, and inform staff of their responsibility to report food safety and quality issues to senior staff. Support the Operations and Production Managers by providing technical training to employees as requested. Oversee the laboratory-testing program. Interpret results and discuss with the Directors any atypical results. Oversee the investigation into customer complaints and internal corrective actions requests (CARs), including the root cause analysis and ensuring effective corrective actions are implemented. Oversee all product development activities pre- and post-launch, ensuring all food safety and quality requirements are being met. Oversee that all items captured by the verification and calibration schedules are completed in a timely manner. Be the primary contact within the business for all customer quality / technical departments; especially establishing and maintaining this relationship with the major customers. Member of the HACCP, Recall and Crisis Teams. Initiate and drive continuous improvement activities. Assist the HR Manager with ethical audit activities that overlap with the QMS, such as training, OHS etc. Provide leadership and support to the reporting lines within the Technical Team. Support OHS initiatives and the company's core values. Assist in workplace inspections, hazard identification, incident reporting and monitoring as required. Qualifications and Experience A pre-requisite of the Technical Manager is to have a Bachelor of Science or equivalent with a minimum of 7 years experience in a QA or Technical role within the food industry. Excellent English communication skills with all levels within the business, both verbal and written is essential, with spoken fluency in another key worker language being highly advantageous (such as Vietnamese, Thai, Khmer, Albanian or Indonesian). Experience in working with GlobalG.A.P, SQF and fresh produce is desired, with previous Manufacturing experience considered well regarded. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office products is essential, along with document creation and control. Personal Characteristics Sound judgement and critical-thinking Ability to be self-driven and disciplined while working under pressure Excellent time management and organisation skills Ability to establish and maintain a motivated work environment for staff Ability to work autonomously as well as part of a team Possess cultural and political awareness and sensitivity Holds a meticulous attention to detail Results orientated Please note all successful applicants must hold valid work rights for Australia and pass a satisfactory pre-employment screen which may include a medical assessment (inclusive of drug and alcohol check), National Police History Check, Working with Children/Vulnerable Groups Check, License Validation/Demerit Point Check. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity & inclusion. If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit your application (cover letter and resume) by clicking ‘Apply for this job’ Contact us on if you wish for a discreet and confidential discussion or apply now. #J-18808-Ljbffr