Reporting to the Director of Operations and Sales, the Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for the maintenance of the Food Safety and Quality Management system, maintaining Organic and Kosher Certifications, keeping up to date with changes to regulations, mentoring a team of QA Technicians, training staff, being a key driver for cultural change through strong leadership, and liaising with various departments and customers. The role requires problem solving, strategic thinking, teamwork, flexibility and eager to learn attitude.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage, train and provide leadership to the Quality Assurance Department staff
• Interact effectively, constructively and productively with personnel at all levels within the organization
• Provide visible and committed Food Safety Leadership to the entire plant; maintain current knowledge of trends and ensure adequate resources to support plant needs
  
• Conduct and oversee Internal Audits and mock recalls; ensure that the facility is in compliance with Regulatory and Quality requirements (CFIA, USDA, Costco GMP, etc.)
• Oversee and ensure effective implementation and continuous improvement of all Food Safety and Quality Standards
• Verify packaging for compliance with laws (Canada and USA) as well as using the NFT software to complete ingredients and NFTs
• Liaise with government agencies and 3rd party auditors
• Provide leadership role to operations during Food Safety and Quality investigations; primary individual to direct food safety investigation activities in the event of a food safety issue or product recall
• Ensure documentation, corrective actions and follow-ups are completed for food safety or quality non-conformance issue
• Ensure current maintenance of HACCP and FSMA system in place to be in compliance with regulations
• Review customer complaints and consumer complaints, and approve or recommend final changes within responses to address root cause
• Primary participant in projects supporting new or modified products, new equipment installations, and quality improvements
• Provide input on process and new product development

Qualification Requirements

• Self-directed, self-reliant, detail-oriented, analytical, strong time management skills.
• Team player and able to work with other departments, key business partners, and government agencies.
• Strong work ethic and positive team attitude.
• Strong problem identification and problem-solving skills
• Ability to create and review technical documentation.
• Able to develop, review, and maintain metrics and quality audits.
• Must possess excellent communication skills (verbal and written) for liaising and communicating with vendors, customers, and internal departments.
• Practical experience with risk management, product testing, and inspection
• Demonstrated ability to direct, coach, and train associates as well as plan, monitor and schedule work
• Lead 'best in class' behaviors with focus on food safety, quality assurance, and plant regulatory compliance
• Bachelor's Degree in Food Science or related field
• Knowledge and experience with one of the GFSI schemes (e.g. SQF, BRC)
• Minimum 5 years of direct work experience with QA systems, regulations, guidelines, and associated standards
• Supervisory/ Management QA experience in a food manufacturing environment is preferred

Working Conditions

This position is required to operate and perform in a (general office, food manufacturing, production, warehousing) environment. Unique or special features of the job include:

• Approximately 25-50% actively working on or around production floor
• 25-50% of day spent sitting in close proximity to a computer/workstation
• Ability to type and operate standard office equipment on a daily basis