Our client is an established and growing agricultural biotechnology company delivering innovative microbial solutions to enhance productivity and sustainable farming practices. With a strong reputation for scientific excellence and product reliability, they are expanding their commercial manufacturing capability in regional NSW
About the Role
Our client is seeking an experienced Quality Assurance & Manufacturing Head to lead their production and quality operations. This is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the end-to-end manufacture of microbial-based products, ensuring consistent quality, regulatory compliance, and efficient scale-up from development to commercial production. Working at the intersection of science and operations, you will play a critical role in delivering robust fermentation processes, overseeing bioreactor operations, and managing the blending of multi-strain microbial formulations.
Key Responsibilities Manufacturing & Operations
- Lead and manage all manufacturing activities, including microbial fermentation, downstream processing, and formulation.
- Oversee operation and optimisation of bioreactors across laboratory, pilot, and commercial scale.
- Scale-up of R&D into consistent commercial production
- Develop, maintain, align production plans with demand and inventory
Quality Assurance & Compliance
- Lead the Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring alignment with ISO, GMP (where applicable), and internal standards.
- Ensure compliance with Australian regulatory requirements, including APVMA and relevant biosecurity and environmental regulations.
- Oversee QC processes, batch release, contamination control, and product testing.
- Manage internal/external audits and regulatory inspections
Process Improvement & Technical Leadership
- Collaborate with R&D to translate laboratory processes into scalable, robust manufacturing protocols.
- Identify and implement improvements to increase yield, reduce cost, and enhance product stability.
- Introduce process monitoring and control systems to ensure consistency and traceability.
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team across manufacturing, QA, and QC.
- Build a strong culture of quality, safety, and accountability.
- Ensure appropriate training in fermentation, aseptic techniques, and quality systems.
Health, Safety & Environment
- Ensure a safe working environment in line with WHS legislation.
- Implement best practices in handling biological materials and fermentation processes.
- Oversee waste management and environmental compliance.
About You
You are a technically strong and operationally experienced leader with a background in microbial fermentation and a proven ability to lead manufacturing and QA functions in a regulated environment.
Essential Experience
- 8+ years' experience in fermentation, bioprocessing, or microbial manufacturing.
- Hands-on experience operating and scaling bioreactors.
- Demonstrated experience in blending or formulating multi-strain microbial products.
- Experience in quality assurance systems and regulatory compliance.
- Leadership experience in a manufacturing/production environment.
Qualifications
- Degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or related field (Masters or PhD highly regarded)
Key Skills
- Deep understanding of microbial growth, fermentation processes, and contamination control
- Strong knowledge of QMS, SOPs, and audit processes
- Experience with process scale-up and industrial production
- Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving capabilities
Why Join our client
- Enjoy a strong remuneration package
- Lead a critical function within a well-established and expanding biotech company and enjoy a collaborative culture with strong technical and operational support
- Be based in the Riverina, one of Australia's key agricultural regions
