At Ridley, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where every employee is valued and respected. As Australia’s leading provider of animal nutrition solutions, we have played a vital role in supporting the agricultural industry and broader food chain for over 30 years. Our culture is one of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
What's on Offer?
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Quality Officer to join our manufacturing operations at Ridley in Narangba. This hands-on, on-shift role is responsible for real-time quality and food safety control during production, ensuring all products meet manufacturing and specification standards across our 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. The successful candidate will bring a proactive mindset, strong attention to detail, and a genuine passion for food safety and continuous improvement.
The Role
As an On-Shift Quality Officer, you will be responsible for:
Sampling & Testing of Incoming Goods
- Receiving and testing all raw materials and packaging on site
- Maintaining on-site raw material reference samples and the packaging database
- Completing Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) as required
Food Safety Compliance
- Monitoring Critical Control Points (CCPs) and Quality Control Points (QCPs)
- Supporting the raw material and finished goods nutrition and contaminant compliance program
In-Process Quality Control & Finished Goods Release
- Verifying process data integrity across extrusion, drying, coating, and packing operations
- Running the finished product release panel and executing final product release
- Managing the finished product reference sample and retention sample programs
Non-Conformance Management
- Identifying, isolating, and managing non-conforming product and product holds
- Maintaining traceability requirements and supporting consumer complaint investigations and root cause analysis
Hygiene & GMP Oversight
- Conducting GMP inspections and ensuring overall plant hygiene
Documentation, Systems & Audit Support
- Ensuring compliance with quality standards including SQF, PFIAA, and applicable SOPs
- Supporting internal and external audit readiness activities
- Issuing Quality Alerts and delivering Toolbox Talks
You Will Have
- Experience within food, feed, or pet food manufacturing environments
- A tertiary qualification in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Nutrition, Biochemistry, or a related discipline
- A 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
- The ability to work independently and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- A 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
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
How to Apply
If you are a motivated and reliable individual who is passionate about quality and food safety, please click 'Apply for this Job' and submit your resume.
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.
Please note that only fully completed applications will be reviewed. Applicants must have unrestricted Australian working rights.
Ridley is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
There are big advantages that come with Ridley being Australia’s largest and leading animal nutrition company. These include opportunities to move and grow within the business and also extends to having the right tools and resources to get the job done.
We are focused on working with, and attracting the best talent, not just in Australia, but in the world. Ridley prides itself on being an equal opportunity employer.
