Quality Assurance Specialist - 12 Month Contract

Responsibilities

• Participating in written program review and execution of Policies, SOPs, Work Instructions
• Assisting in resolving deviations & supplier non-conforming product issues
• Ensure all microbiology sampling and testing of product and equipment is done according to government, customer, and company requirements and that they are done on a timely basis and followed up on. Train and assist staff in performing tests and back up if needed.
• Maintain Product Specification Program including Product Specifications, Labels, Nutritional info, Approvals and Manufacturing SOPs.
• In-depth involvement in product development, sample preparation, generating NFTs and preparing internal specifications for new products.
• Maintain CFS Label information and complete the information for all new products.
• Ensuring all trackers are functional. Maintenance & updating all data trackers e.g. Hold & Release, Work Orders, Specification Tracker, Training Matrix, Lab Results Tracker etc.
• Maintain/coordinate inventory and order supplies for the internal lab testing.
• Prepare monthly Continuous Improvement Reports and perform trend analysis on customer complaints, shelf life etc.
• Prepare monthly KPI reports and any other customer specific reporting data.
• Perform regular and refresher training sessions with QA Technicians and production staff.
• Ensure proper implementation of pest control program and supplier approval program including all carrier agreements and contracts.
• Take Meeting Minutes during QA team meetings and generate Action Plan Items.
• Work closely with maintenance team on work order completion for equipment and facility maintenance.
• Perform Monthly Facility Inspection Audits.
• Conduct monthly self-audits, on-site verification of monitors, relevant personnel training.
• Collect all contractor agreements from maintenance.
• Complete Food Defense Checklist on annual basis.
• Perform updates on HACCP related SOPs and Forms as required.
• Back-up for HACCP Coordinator.
• Back-up of QA Technicians when required.
• Proactive involvement with audit preparations.
• Participates in maintaining the requirements on food safety, quality and defense.
• Carry out other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Completion of Vocational/Technical specialty certification/licensure program in a related field
• University degree or college diploma in related discipline preferred
• A minimum of 2-3 years’ experience in a similar role
• Working knowledge of HACCP and GFSI standard and Safe Food for Canadian regulations
• Proven leader and team motivator with Leadership skills
• Thorough understanding of statistical process controls
• Knowledge of customer complaint investigation and resolution process
• In depth knowledge of local, provincial and federal GMP requirements pertaining to food manufacturing
• Proficiency with MS Suite products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required as well as with label system software
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and administrative leadership skills
• Proven ability to supervise, provide support and coach
• Proven ability to work effectively as a team member
• Highly detail oriented with excellent organizational skills
• Able to prioritize multiple obligations, and manage time effectively
• Excellent mathematical skills
• Strong computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office systems
• Adaptable to change, handles pressure well, adjusts plans to meet changing demands
• Critical thinking and decision making abilities, being able to make difficult choices under pressure