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AfterDuty

Food Compliance Officer

Costco Wholesale · Sydney, New South Wales

Type
Full-time
Posted
Yesterday

Overview

Your experience working within strict regulatory frameworks like PACE and CPIA demonstrates the compliance mindset this role demands. Liaising with multiple agencies and managing complex documentation in policing translates directly to coordinating with Customs, DAFF and other bodies on import requirements. However, the role requires a degree in food science and deep knowledge of food-specific regulations, which typically requires additional training beyond a policing background.

About this role

Costco Wholesale is the 3rd largest global retailer already operating more than 772 locations in 11 countries, catering to both business and individual members. We are dedicated to quality in every area of our business, and have a unique opportunity for an Inventory Control Specialist to join our growing Buying team and develop a career at Costco.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Assistant General Merchandise Manager, you will be responsible for assessment and review of imported food product against all pertinent regulations, for compliance to Australian and New Zealand Laws (e.g. Food Standards Code, Australian Competition Law, Australian Consumer Law, Trade Measurement regulations, Customs Act, Intellectual Property etc.) for the Foods Buying team.

Job Duties/Essential Functions

  • Determining import requirements for a cross section of food items
  • Managing import item packaging and labelling approval
  • Artwork & label development, as well as the management of relabelling and repackaging activities
  • Developing in-house labelling for ‘fresh’ food areas
  • Liaising with key external stakeholder groups such as testing facilities, Customs, DAFF (Biological and Plant) and
  • other government agencies and NGO’s to ensure imported items meet all regulatory obligations
  • Obtaining regulatory approval on new products being imported into Australia
  • Generating new company policies and procedures as well as launching global initiatives. Monitoring uptake and maintenance of programs and associated documentation.
  • Coordinating product reviews, assessing quality and benchmarking exercises
  • Providing technical support for the investigation of product incidents
  • Coordinating and managing of product testing and validation schedule
  • Actively managing Costco’s Food Vendor Assurance Program
  • Coordinating, actioning and maintenance of recall and withdrawal program and activities
  • Private Label Product development
  • Providing specialised trouble shooting across complex product issues
  • Providing internal training and education (e.g. Food Safety, Import requirements, product regulations)
  • Preparing government submissions
  • Proactively identifying opportunities and issues and take decisive action
  • Assists in other areas of the department as necessary.

Required qualifications / industry specific skills

Education/Training

  • A degree in Food Science/Technology, Applied Science or like discipline

Experience/Skills

  • 3+ years’ experience in a regulatory, compliance or associated area in either retail, government or manufacturing
  • Sound understanding of the Australian labelling requirements within the regulatory landscape (State, Federal, and Local; e.g., ACCC, Food Standards Code, Australian Competition Law, Australian Consumer Law, Trade Measurement Regulations, Customs Act, Quarantine Act, Fair Trading Laws, Australian Standards, etc.).
  • Thorough understanding of Australian import requirements (including associated tools)
  • AS400 experience
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Advanced skills in Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides)
  • Advanced skills in Microsoft (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • If successful, you will be required to undertake role & department specific training within specified timeframes

About compliance & regulatory roles for ex-police

Compliance, AML/CTF and regulatory roles. Working to AUSTRAC, ASIC and APRA obligations is a stronger regulatory grounding than most civilian applicants can offer — firms increasingly recognise this.

See all compliance & regulatory jobs in Sydney

Why this fits a police background

  • Investigative casework
  • Working to legislation & regulation

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