ABOUT FOSTER’S WINE ESTATES AMERICAS:
As a premium global beverage company conducting business across 150 countries, Foster's offers an exciting and diverse portfolio of career opportunities. Our people are innovative, passionate and energetic - working as one team with one high-performance culture.

Foster's is committed to creating an 'inspiring workplace' which attracts and retains highly skilled people. At Foster’s, we recognize and value employee diversity.
Don't let this great opportunity to work with a dynamic and energetic group of individuals pass you by, please apply now! EEO/AAP.

Primary Purpose of Role

• Building and assessing team capability around Quality, both within the lab and cross-functionally, through effective Performance Management and by supporting the Continuous Improvement Culture.
• Effectively supporting all internal and external stakeholders’ (i.e. NBC Production, Quality, etc.)
• Effectively manage the QA Lab department budget
• Effectively drive CI initiatives to develop improved and sustainable QA processes.
• Ensure that the lab process adheres to quality systems requirements (HACCP, BRC)
• Develop metrics to assess the quality of NBC production
• Improve QA processes in the laboratory including conducting gap analysis.

Direct Reports to this Role
QA & Supplier Liaison Supervisor (1)
Plant Microbiologist & Quality Systems Coordinator (2)
QA Technicians (8)
Analytical Chemists and Technicians (2)

Key Relationships

Internal
• NBC QA team
• NBC Packaging Winemaker
• NBC Maintenance Team
• NBC work area leaders
• NBC employees
• VP-Packaging Operations
• Quality
• Senior Operations Manager
• Procurement team
• Human Resources

External
• Suppliers
• External consultants
• Regulatory bodies
• Professional associations

Key Decision Making in this Role:

Take a continuous improvement approach to all QA activities on the site and ensure quality standards are achieved. Work to ensure that production levels and efficiencies are maintained and improved according to planned KPO’s while continuing to implement new initiatives which add value to the business. Provide effective leadership and communication. Develop and maintain a strategic framework and plans to guide work area and people development.

Key Responsibilities/ Accountabilities:

Lead and manage the Quality Assurance team at NBC and mobile bottling operations:
• Maintain and train staff necessary to support all Packaging Operations.
• Assist the facility in maintaining the agreed quality standards as set by the Quality Department.
• Bring visibility to and reporting on quality issues identified during production to the broader business through weekly reporting on quality to the Director of Quality.
• Provide daily feedback (coach) to QA Team on continuous improvements opportunities.
• Maintain the procedures for the Quality Assurance Laboratory including but not limited to packaging inspection, wine analysis, bottling line control and microbiological testing.
• Manage quality systems (FSQM, HACCP, and BRC) at NBC in coordination with the Regional QA Systems Manager.
• Plan and develop departmental budget including staffing and departmental goal setting.
• Monitor, prioritize and direct workflow through the QA Laboratory.
• Represent the quality function on the internal CI team.
• Build and develop the relationship between Production, Maintenance, QA, Procurement and our suppliers.
• In coordination with the Senior Manager of Vendor Management, address packaging suppliers on specifications and problems including off specification packaging.
• Organize direction and provide oversight of packaging reselection projects to ensure quality is maintained.
• Interface with production management to resolve problems.
• Assist with testing on new packaging materials/material trials.
• In conjunction with the Quality Department, assist with customer complaints identified for investigation.

Work closely with the NBC Packaging Winemaker to:
• Provide input into decisions related to processing and release of wine at bottling sites
• Drive resolution of issues and provide feedback
• Manage coverage of 24 hour packaging operations and adherence to bottling schedule
• Manage Bottling Approval Forms (BAF)
• Ensure feedback on adherence to technical and quality standards to all sending wineries

Key Challenges in Achieving Goal(s):

• Prioritising work loads.
• Understanding and keeping up to date with current materials and packaging technology.
• Managing key relationships with internal personnel and external suppliers.
• Building capability in the Packaging Quality Team.

Qualifications and Experience:

Degree in a relevant tertiary field (e.g. Winemaking chemistry, microbiology, oenology, Laboratory science, Packaging engineering)

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
• Attention to detail and follow-through essential.
• Ability to perform complicated mathematical and statistical analysis.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft (Word, Excel, Access) essential
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required
• Ability to handle and complete multiple projects in a timely manner
• Must be able to work independently as well as interact well in a diverse team structure.
• Ability to contribute to a positive work atmosphere by communicating with employees, clients, customers, co-workers and management according to established standards.
• Capable of troubleshooting problems.
• Ability to carry out detailed written or oral instructions.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

Experience:
• Minimum of five years quality assurance management experience.
• Winemaking or associated discipline experience, particularly in a bottling winemaker or bottling operation
• Have understanding of Lean principles, and CI activities.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully lead, motivate and supervise others.

TO APPLY:
If you are interested in this position please apply online. Go to http://searchjobs.fweacareers.com/ to submit your resume and please include your salary requirements.

No relocation assistance is available for this position. No recruiters or phone calls, please.

• Compensation: Competitive
• Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
• Please, no phone calls about this job!
• Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.