Manager – Quality Assurance

This is a full-time, fully remote job opportunity. The employment contract will be provided by a third-party employment Vendor.

9 months contract role with possibility of extension.

About the team

The Commercialization Manager will be part of the Quality Assurance team for Asia-Pacific, reporting to the QA Lead for APAC while working cross-functionally with key stakeholders. This role collaborates closely with R&D, Innovation, and Culinary teams to support the commercialization of core menu items, while also working with Procurement and Supply Chain to ensure smooth product transitions.

A key responsibility is acting as a bridge between suppliers, Quality Assurance, and other departments, ensuring products meet standards while aligning with operational and supply chain requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier Identification and Assessment:

• Identify and map potential local suppliers for the APAC region, particularly in Australia.

• Assess suppliers’ capabilities, ensuring they match specific brands' needs and quality and operational standards.

• Filter and shortlist suppliers that align with our requirements for further engagement.

Supplier Onboarding and Legal Compliance:

• Collaborate with the APAC Procurement team to manage the legal onboarding of selected suppliers.

• Ensure all necessary documentation and contracts are completed, signed, and filed in compliance with company policies.

SKU Briefing and Sample Evaluation:

• Brief suppliers on specific product standards using the product guidelines, in collaboration with the International Chef.

• Request off the shelf samples from suppliers, organize tastings, and provide culinary feedback with the support of the International Chef.

•  Manage the development process for SKUs that require new product development (NPD), providing detailed feedback on iterations until they meet our standards.

Supplier Check In and Site Visits:

• Organize and conduct check ins and site visits with suppliers to monitor progress.

• Arrange for tasting sessions in appropriate venues.

Project Tracking and Reporting:

• Create and maintain a comprehensive SKU tracker to monitor the status of all SKUs and suppliers.

• Provide regular updates to the International Team and APAC Regional Teams on project progress, risks, and next steps.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering or related Technical Sciences.

• Minimum of 5 years of related experience, preferably within the food service or quick service restaurant industry.

• Experience in NPD, supplier development, product commercialization, and general knowledge of food manufacturing and handling required.

• Deep knowledge and process understanding of deli meats, specialty breads and dairy products. 

• Quality assurance, R&D and food manufacturing production experience is required. 

• Conversant in Statistical Process Control and Process Capability.

Skills Required:

• Strong in Project Management and cross functional workstreams;

• Effective communication, organizational, and time management skills and experience.

• Ability to work independently and as a team player.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).

• Experience working in business (not just manufacturing) preferred in High Volume, High Pressure environment.

• Operates with a sense of urgency and conviction to high quality standards.

• Results Orientation: Takes accountability and demonstrates drive in delivering results. 

• Confronts issues/problems with directed focused actions in a timely and reasoned manner. 

• Able to prioritize workload and meet deadlines.

• Successfully manages high tension, crisis situations.

• Ability to promote a diverse and inclusive work environment and relationships.