Quality assurance and Food Safety Specialist

Quality assurance and Food Safety Specialist Florentines Patisserie is a well‑established and growing New Zealand business, manufacturing a wide range of cakes and desserts for both the local and export markets. We are excited to add to our experienced Quality Control and Food Safety team. We are seeking a skilled, motivated professional to support Quality Assurance and lead robust root‑cause problem-solving across our manufacturing operations. In this role, you will contribute directly to company success by promoting strong Quality and Food Safety practices, maintaining an effective QA programme built on PRPs and HACCP principles, and supporting a positive food safety culture across our site. This position suits someone who is naturally curious and analytical, confident in asking the right questions, and motivated to drive meaningful improvement. You will investigate non‑conformances, identify root causes, and work collaboratively with teams to implement long‑term corrective and preventive actions. As this role works closely with Production, Warehousing, Sales, and Purchasing, strong communication skills are essential to gather information, build understanding, and influence positive change. This is a dynamic, hands‑on role ideal for someone who enjoys combining technical quality assurance with practical problem‑solving in a fast‑paced food manufacturing environment. We offer great hours with no weekend work. Florentines Patisserie – Mount Maunganui Key Responsibilities Lead investigations into food safety and quality non‑conformances, determining root causes and developing effective corrective and preventive actions. Implement, maintain, and continuously improve the Florentines Quality Management System, fostering ownership and accountability across production teams. Manage internal and external quality audits and oversee supplier quality performance. Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives within manufacturing and product development. Analyse and report on quality trends and performance metrics to support decision‑making and continuous improvement. Challenge existing processes and drive initiatives to continuously lift food safety and quality standards, ensuring the site remains audit‑ready at all times. Ensure customer complaints and quality issues are investigated promptly and prioritised according to risk. Develop SOPs and deliver training to support quality and food safety standards and initiatives. What Will Make You Successful Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence, negotiate, and build strong working relationships across departments. A proactive, self‑motivated, and collaborative approach, with the ability to work effectively as part of a team. Strong working knowledge of HACCP, food handling requirements, and SQF certification. A tertiary qualification in Food Science or a related discipline. An understanding of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement principles. Benefits Broad exposure working closely across all business functions, with strong management support to help you achieve your professional goals. Opportunities for career development in a business that is continually growing and evolving. Competitive remuneration package. Family‑owned New Zealand business with a strong commitment to employee wellbeing. On‑site free parking and generous product discounts. Applicants must be New Zealand citizens or residents. #J-18808-Ljbffr