Quality Officer

About Ridley

Australia's leading provider of animal nutrition solutions with over 30 years of supporting the agricultural industry and broader food chain. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where every employee is valued and respected. Our culture is one of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

About the Role

An on-shift, hands-on Quality Officer position in manufacturing operations at Ridley's Narangba facility. This role is responsible for real-time quality and food safety control during production, ensuring all products meet manufacturing and specification standards across the dry pet food facility. Acting as the first line of defence on shift, you will play a key role in ensuring products are manufactured safely and compliantly, from raw material receipt through to finished goods release.

Responsibilities

Sampling & Testing of Incoming Goods

• Receive and test all raw materials and packaging on site
• Maintain on-site raw material reference samples and the packaging database
• Complete Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) as required

Food Safety Compliance

• Monitor Critical Control Points (CCPs) and Quality Control Points (QCPs)
• Support the raw material and finished goods nutrition and contaminant compliance program

In-Process Quality Control & Finished Goods Release

• Verify process data integrity across extrusion, drying, coating, and packing operations
• Run the finished product release panel and execute final product release
• Manage the finished product reference sample and retention sample programs

Non-Conformance Management

• Identify, isolate, and manage non-conforming product and product holds
• Maintain traceability requirements and support consumer complaint investigations and root cause analysis

Hygiene & GMP Oversight

• Conduct GMP inspections and ensure overall plant hygiene

Documentation, Systems & Audit Support

• Ensure compliance with quality standards including SQF, PFIAA, and applicable SOPs
• Support internal and external audit readiness activities
• Issue Quality Alerts and deliver Toolbox Talks

Requirements

• Experience within food, feed, or pet food manufacturing environments
• Tertiary qualification in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Nutrition, Biochemistry, or a related discipline
• Solid understanding of HACCP, GMP, food safety, and traceability principles
• Hands-on experience with moisture and water activity testing
• Experience conducting or supporting internal and external audits
• Strong attention to detail and accurate record-keeping skills
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Proactive attitude with a strong focus on continuous improvement and food safety culture
• Flexibility to work a rotating 24/7 roster including nights and weekends
• Unrestricted Australian working rights

Desirable

• HACCP Certification or Internal Auditor Training
• Experience within the pet food industry
• Exposure to Approved Arrangements (AA), SQF, PFIAA, or retailer standards
• Experience using D365 or similar ERP/quality systems

What We Offer

As Australia's largest and leading animal nutrition company, Ridley offers opportunities to move and grow within the business, as well as the right tools and resources to get the job done.

How to Apply

Submit your resume by clicking 'Apply for this Job'. Please note that only fully completed applications will be reviewed.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire during the interview process. Successful applicants will also be required to undergo a comprehensive medical assessment within three months of commencement.

Ridley is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.