Food Compliance Manager

Costco Wholesale is the 3rd-largest global retailer, already operating more than 760 locations in 11 countries. We are dedicated to quality in every area of our business and have a unique opportunity for an experienced Compliance Manager to join our team.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Assistant General Merchandise Manager, you will be responsible for all compliance and regulatory affairs covering Liquor, Sundries and Foods (both packaged and fresh). Assessment and review of imported and domestic products against all pertinent regulations, for compliance to Australian and New Zealand laws.   

Job Duties/Essential Functions

• Work in close collaboration with the buying teams to ensure that regulatory services and compliance activities are undertaken in an effective, efficient and consistent manner, in accordance with Costco policy and Australian / New Zealand legislation. 
• Provide high-level, accurate and appropriate information, technical advice and recommendations to inform decision-making by the Buyers and Management team. 
• Ensure that products imported are compliant with Australia and New Zealand requirements: Claim, Regulatory, Food safety 
• Determine import requirements for a cross-section of Food items and manage import item packaging and labelling approvals 
• Artwork & label development, as well as the management of repackaging activities 
• Work with external third-party testing laboratories to ensure Australian standards are met 
• Oversee services provided by external compliance review providers 
• Generating new company policies and procedures as well as launching global initiatives 
• Coordination and management of product testing and schedules 
• Actively manage Costco's Code of Conduct Audit program and Vendor Assurance Program 
• Co-ordination, action and maintenance of recall and withdrawal program and activities 
• Conduct post-incident evaluations for product withdrawals addressing systematic supplier deficiencies
• Internal training and education (e.g. product safety, import requirements, product regulations) 
• Identify applicable regulatory compliance standards and codes specific to country requirements 
• Lead and mentor the compliance team, cultivating their professional advancement, education, and career path within the organisation
• Serve as the primary point of contact and maintain active liaison with government authorities and regulators
• Supervise and direct the container deposit scheme
• Oversee regulatory reviews concerning environmental claims and the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) implementation 
• Responsible for the management and oversight of the Enterprise Facility Audit database.

Qualifications (Costco-specific or industry specific skills that candidates should possess)

Education/Training:                         

Minimum 5 years' experience in a regulatory, compliance or quality assurance  position in either retail or manufacturing sectors

Experience/Skills:                           

Sound understanding of the Australian and New Zealand regulatory landscape -  State, Federal and Local  

Strong written and verbal communication skills 

Possess an understanding of commercial operations and anticipate the broader organisational impacts of tactical choices.

Detail-oriented, adaptable and flexible 

Willing to learn and able to prioritise 

Advanced skills in Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides) and Microsoft (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Other specific requirements

Satisfactory Criminal Record Check