One to Watch finalist Spotlight: Lisa Lopez
Creating meaningful change in a processing environment takes more than introducing new procedures. It requires people to understand why change matters and to be part of shaping the solution.
That philosophy has guided Lisa Lopez throughout her career at Harvest Road, where she has progressed from Technical Systems Coordinator to Head of Technical.
A finalist in the 2026 Meat Business Women Australia One to Watch Award, proudly supported by HR Legal, Lisa is recognised for bringing together food safety, sustainability and people leadership to improve operational performance while building a stronger workplace culture.
One of Lisa's most significant initiatives has been leading a comprehensive review and improvement program for Harvest Road's onsite cleaning department.
The project aimed to strengthen food safety, improve hygiene standards, enhance operational efficiency, build a stronger food safety culture and reduce environmental impact. To achieve this, Lisa established a cross-functional team of industry specialists, maintenance representatives, department leaders and operational staff to undertake a detailed review of existing cleaning practices and identify opportunities for improvement.
A key outcome was strengthening the consistent application of the 7 Steps of Cleaning, with a renewed focus on dry cleaning techniques to reduce unnecessary water use while maintaining high hygiene standards.
Through structured coaching, improved workflow design and greater collaboration across departments, the initiative delivered measurable improvements.
Water consumption during cleaning was reduced by 17 per cent, cleaning became faster and more consistent, production start-up delays were reduced, and the site achieved a Coles Blue Rating—the highest rating under the Coles audit standard.
The project also strengthened food safety culture across the organisation, demonstrating how operational improvements can deliver lasting benefits beyond compliance.
Supporting the next generation has become another important part of Lisa's leadership journey.
Recognising an opportunity to strengthen talent pathways within the business, Lisa proposed the development of a structured graduate program before leading its design and implementation.
Working closely with the program's first graduate, Zoe Skinner, Lisa tailored learning opportunities around Zoe's career aspirations, introduced her to technical specialists across the business and encouraged her to participate in the Intercollegiate Meat Judging program.
The results were remarkable.
Zoe was selected for the Australian Meat Judging Team and went on to compete at the National Western Meat Judging Contest in Denver, where she finished as the highest-performing Australian competitor and was named Reserve Individual Champion Overall.
Reflecting on the experience, Lisa says:
"Supporting Zoe’s growth was incredibly fulfilling. Seeing her gain confidence, find her passion, and achieve success reinforced the importance of investing in young professionals and providing pathways that help shape long-term careers in the red meat industry."
Leading organisational change has also tested Lisa's resilience.
When introducing new cleaning practices, she encountered significant resistance from teams who were comfortable with established ways of working. Rather than relying on procedural changes alone, Lisa adopted a design thinking approach, spending time on the processing floor, observing workflows and listening to the people performing the work each day.
That process uncovered practical constraints that had previously gone unnoticed and helped reshape the project around shared operational goals rather than compliance alone.
Reflecting on the experience, Lisa says:
"This experience reinforced that when facing resistance, design thinking principles starting with understanding the real causes at the point of work, enable more effective and sustainable solutions."
Looking ahead, Lisa believes the industry's future depends on balancing sustainability, operational efficiency and a strong food safety culture.
She sees significant opportunities to reduce water consumption, improve cleaning systems and build greater understanding across teams about the role every individual plays in protecting food safety.
Equally important, she believes successful change happens alongside the people doing the work.
"Instead of implementing changes from the office, we co design solutions with the people on the floor. When teams feel included and heard, improvements last and culture strengthens."
For Lisa, working in the meat industry is driven by a genuine sense of purpose.
"I am driven by knowing that my work directly contributes to improving food safety, product quality, and overall sustainability, not just for our consumers, but also for our local community and my own family. Being part of an industry that feeds people and supports regional livelihoods is incredibly meaningful to me."
She is equally inspired by the people around her.
"The collaboration, resilience, and genuine passion shared across teams from operations, research, commercial to livestock creates a strong sense of community and shared purpose. Working alongside people who are committed to doing things better every day is a key factor that keeps me motivated and proud to be in the red meat industry."
We congratulate Lisa on being named a finalist in the 2026 Meat Business Women Australia One to Watch Award and look forward to celebrating alongside all finalists at the Australian Gender Representation Report Insights & Awards Evening on 28 July at the RACV City Club, Melbourne, where the winner will be announced.
Celebrate with us in Melbourne
Lisa is one of five outstanding finalists in the 2026 Meat Business Women Australia One to Watch Award. You can catch up on our 'Spotlight Series' here.
The winner will be announced at the MBW Australia Gender Representation Report Insights & Awards Evening on Tuesday, 28 July, at the RACV Club, Melbourne.
Join industry leaders from across the meat and food supply chain for an evening of networking, thought-provoking insights from the 2026 Gender Representation Report and the celebration of women helping shape the future of our industry.
Tickets are on sale now.
One to Watch Award Proudly supported by HR Legal
HR Legal is proud to support the Meat Business Women One to Watch Award, recognising emerging female leaders across the meat and food supply chain.
The latest Gender Representation Report highlights that women represent just 32% of the meat and poultry workforce, reinforcing the need for targeted action to strengthen the leadership pipeline.
At HR Legal, we partner with manufacturing and supply chain employers to build compliant, high-performing workplaces and address workforce challenges practically. Supporting initiatives like the One to Watch Award helps recognise potential early, invest in emerging talent and build a more sustainable, future-ready industry.
