Quality Specialist

About Suntory Oceania

Suntory Oceania represents a dynamic $3 billion collaboration between Suntory Global Spirits and Suntory Beverage and Food. With over 40 brands including Jim Beamand Makers Mark Bourbon, Hibiki Japanese Whisky, Canadian Club Whisky, V Energy, Maximus, and Suntory BOSS Coffee, this partnership spans two manufacturing plants, five distribution centers, and employs more than 1500 personnel across Australia and New Zealand. Positioned as the fourth largest beverage player in the region, Suntory Oceania aims to enrich beverage experiences throughout the day.

Role Overview

As a Quality Specialist based at our advanced manufacturing facility in Ipswich, Queensland, you play a pivotal role ensuring product quality from raw inputs to final outputs. Collaborating closely with manufacturing, packaging, and supply chain teams, you will drive a culture rooted in quality and support ongoing food safety and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the site.

Core Responsibilities

• Facilitate quality and food safety activities across blending, filling, packaging, and manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with operational teams to discover improvement opportunities enhancing both quality and performance.
• Lead and assist in root cause analysis and problem-solving for quality related challenges.
• Oversee non-conformance records, corrective actions, and product release workflows.
• Review Certificates of Analysis and contribute to raw material and incoming goods inspections.
• Conduct audits on GMP, GLP, hygiene, and quality management systems site-wide.
• Participate in analytical and microbiological testing adhering to approved protocols.
• Help implement and maintain the site Quality Management System.
• Support training for manufacturing teams on routine quality and microbiological procedures.
• Monitor quality metrics and champion continuous improvement initiatives.

Continuous Improvement and Innovation

• Challenge existing methods and introduce innovative ideas to enhance quality, safety, and operational performance.
• Apply structured problem-solving tools including 5 Whys, Fishbone Analysis, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Contribute to Suntory's Monozukuri Way philosophy emphasizing global operational excellence.
• Strive to elevate processes from satisfactory to exemplary through innovation and teamwork.

Candidate Profile

• Possess a Degree or Diploma in Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a closely related scientific field.
• Have practical experience in food, beverage, FMCG, pharmaceutical, or regulated manufacturing sectors.
• Strong understanding of Quality Management Systems, GMP, GLP, hygiene protocols, and food safety standards.
• Knowledgeable in microbiological testing and quality assurance techniques.
• Demonstrate excellent analytical skills and a problem-solving orientation.
• Effective communicator with robust stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Experienced in supporting continuous improvement and operational change efforts.
• Motivated and passionate about upholding quality, compliance, and operational excellence.

Flexibility to operate within a 24/7 manufacturing environment is essential.

Employee Benefits and Work Culture

• Opportunities for career progression locally and internationally.
• Access to high-quality training and development programs.
• Competitive salary and benefits packages.
• Employee perks including free product allocations and discounts.
• Health insurance at reduced costs.
• Wellbeing initiatives including access to physiotherapy support.
• Inclusive parental leave policies for all carers.
• Volunteer leave to contribute to community initiatives.
• Chance to influence the growth of a new manufacturing site and be part of a unique team.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commitment

Suntory Oceania is dedicated to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can bring their authentic selves. Employment practices promote equal opportunity regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, age, or other protected categories. Efforts are made to accommodate different backgrounds and experiences throughout recruitment and interview processes to support a thriving workforce united by shared goals.