Manager, Special Incident and Outbreak Investigation

About the role

The Special Incident and Outbreak Investigation Department safeguards public health by responding to gastroenteritis incidents and investigating food safety-related feedback. As manager, you will help shape the department's response to emerging food safety risks through outbreak investigation, enforcement and preventive work across physical and online food retail environments.

Key responsibilities

• Investigate gastroenteritis incidents and food safety feedback by gathering evidence from importers and food businesses to assess compliance and identify causes.
• Plan and coordinate operations and regulatory follow-up with relevant agencies, and take enforcement action against non-compliant parties, supporting measures such as removing online listings.
• Collaborate with government agencies, industry stakeholders and online marketplaces on preventive and response measures to reduce foodborne disease.
• Analyse outbreak and surveillance data to spot signals and emerging risks, build dashboards and explore AI-assisted tools for faster, evidence-based decisions.
• Turn lessons learned into improved investigation protocols, operational procedures and capability-building initiatives.
• Maintain accurate operational databases and carry out other duties within the department's mandate.

Required profile

• Experience in regulatory operations, investigations, enforcement, food safety and/or customer feedback management is preferred.
• A qualification or knowledge in Public Health, Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Biology or another science-related discipline is advantageous.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, good judgement and attention to detail.
• Good written and verbal communication, teamwork skills and confidence working with government agencies, industry and multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to manage concurrent priorities, work independently and handle field work outside normal office hours; a valid Class 3 driving licence is preferred.

Required skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital research.
• Power BI, data visualisation or AI-assisted knowledge and analytical tools are an advantage.